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THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 


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THE    SONG    OF    ROLAND 


TRANSLATED  INTO  ENGLISH  VERSE 


BY 
LEONARD   BACON 


Of 


NEW  HAVEN:  YALE  UNIVERSITY  PRESS 

LONDON:  HUMPHREY  MILFORD 

OXFORD  UNIVERSITY  PRESS 

MDCCCCXIV 


COPYRIGHT,  1914 
BY  YALE  UNIVERSITY  PRESS 


First  printed,  from  type,  November,  1914 

500  copies  on  imported  machine  made  paper 

25  copies  on  Italian  hand  made  paper 


HIST  OR  * 


PREFACE 

An  apology  for  a  new  translation  of  the  Song  of  Roland  is 
perhaps  not  unnecessary.  Several  excellent  versions  in  prose 
and  verse  already  exist.  It  was  with  no  view  to  supplanting 
them  that  the  present  volume  was  undertaken.  But  the  writer 
feels  certain  that  a  work  like  the  Song  of  Roland  is  susceptible 
of  many  interpretations.  Hence  he  has  not  hesitated  to 
attempt  one  of  his  own. 

It  is  proper  to  indicate  certain  interpolations  and  certain 
deviations  from  the  Oxford  text  on  which  the  present  version 
is  based. 

Laisses  CXIIa,  CXIIb,  CXIVa,  CXIVb,  CXIVc,  CXXVa, 
CXXVIIIa,  CXXVIIIb,  CXXVIIIc,  CXXVIIId,  CXLIVa, 
CLIVa,  are  supplied  from  other  sources  than  the  basic  text, 
with  a  view  to  filling  up  certain  lacunae  in  the  narrative. 

Other  interpolations  and  deviations  are  indicated  in  the 
notes. 

It  would  be  impossible,  to  enumerate  the  :yarious  kindnesses 
shown  me  by  others  in  carrying  out  this  little  adventure.  I 
take  great  pleasure  in  acknowledging  my  indebtedness  to 
Professor  George  Rapall  Noyes  who  suggested  this  under- 
taking, to  Professor  Walter  Morris  Hart  who  made  many 
crooked  paths  straight,  and  to  Professor  Rudolph  Sc%hevill 
who  encouraged  me  in  difficulty.  Finally  there  is  owing  to  my 
father,  my  mother,  and  my  wife  a  debt  of  gratitude  not  to  be 
expressed  easily  or  in  a  preface. 

Berkeley,  California,  1914. 


INTRODUCTION 

In  an  illuminating  passage  Gaston  Paris  has  paid,  once  for 
all,  his  perfect  tribute  to  the  Song  of  Roland.  "At  the 
entrance  of  the  Sacred  Way,"  runs  his  exquisite  statement, 
"where  are  arrayed  the  monuments  of  eight  centuries  of  our 
literature,  the  Song  of  Roland  stands  like  an  arch  massively 
built  and  gigantic;  it  is  narrow,  perhaps,  but  great  in  concep- 
tion, and  we  cannot  pass  beneath  it  without  admiration,  with- 
out respect,  or  without  pride."  To  one  in  any  way  acquainted 
with  the  poem  further  comment  is  unnecessary,  but  the 
uninitiated  may  feel  that  an  elucidation  of  the  beautiful  and 
imaginative  figure  is  desirable.  What  is  this  poem  eight 
centuries  old,  written  in  incomprehensible  French,  about  a 
forgotten  episode,  that  it  should  thus  stir  the  enthusiasm  of 
a  Professor  of  Mediaeval  Literature? 

The  finest  and  earliest  of  the  Romance  Epics  deals  with  the 
treason  of  Ganelon,  the  brother-in-law  of  Charlemagne,  who, 
sent  on  an  embassy  by  the  Emperor  to  Marsile  the  King  of 
Spain,  betrayed  his  nephew  Roland,  and  the  army  under  his 
command,  to  the  Saracen.  It  relates  the  details  of  the  battle 
of  Roncevaux  in  which  Roland,  his  comrade  Olivier  and  their 
companions  fell  gloriously,  the  vengeance  which  Charlemagne 
exacted  upon  the  false  Spanish  King  and  his  overlord  the 
Emir  of  Babylon,  and  concludes  with  an  account  of  the  trial 
by  combat  which  resulted  in  the  conviction  and  terrible 
execution  of  the  traitor  Ganelon.  These  are  events  of  the 
poem;  the  details  one  will  say  of  a  spirited  story,  hardly  more. 


viii  INTRODUCTION 

But  there  is  far  more  than  that  to  say.  Few  men  living  are 
qualified  to  trace  the  lineaments  of  racial  and  national  feeling 
las  they  appear  in  this  epic.  But  a  sketch  of  the  events  which 
gave  rise  to  the  elaborate  legend  incorporated  in  the  poem 
may  help  us  to  a  kind  of  comprehension.  On  the  15th  of 
August,  778,  the  rear-guard  of  the  army  which  Charlemagne 
had  led  into  Spain  on  an  expedition,  barren  of  any  important 
result,  was  cut  to  pieces  by  the  Basques  in  the  Pass  of  Ronce- 
vaux  in  the  Pyrenees.  In  this  disaster  Hrodland,  Count  of  the 
March  of  Brittany,  was  slain.  So  small  a  spark  of  fact  was 
to  kindle  three  centuries  later  a  great  flame  of  splendid  poetry. 

Presumably  the  tiny  ember  was  well  nursed.  It  is  more 
than  probable  that  a  popular  balladry  celebrated  the  courage 
of  the  brave  soldiers  who  fell  in  the  only  great  reverse  suffered 
by  the  arms  of  Charlemagne.  Evidence  is  cited  by  all 
authorities  to  prove  the  existence  of  a  strong  sentiment  felt 
by  the  vulgar  on  the  subject  within  sixty  years  of  the  battle. 
This  being  the  case,  what  more  natural  than  a  spontaneous 
burst  of  military  poetry  dedicated  to  the  martyr-soldier,  and 
enhancing  his  exploits  with  every  fresh  emanation?  Such  a 
folk-song  it  was  doubtless  that  Taillefer  sang  at  Senlac  when 
he  rode  out  ahead  of  the  attacking  army  tossing  his  sword  in 
air  and  catching  it  again. 

But  it  was  for  a  greater  than  Taillefer  that  the  task  of 
raising  the  subject  to  its  proper  dimensions  was  reserved. 
Who  he1  was  we  do  not  know.  The  internal  evidence  of  the 
poem  as  to  his  special  characteristics  is  of  the  most  tenuous 
sort,  yet  a  few  details  do  appear.  Probably  he  flourished  in 

i  It  is  of  course  impossible  to  determine  whether  or  not  the  Therould 
mentioned  in  the  last  line  of  the  Song  of  Roland  was  the  author  of  the 
poem.  As  the  old  story  goes,  it  may  have  been  written  by  another  man  of 
the  same  name.  It  is  probable  that  the  matter  of  the  poem  is  derived 


INTRODUCTION  ix 

the  latter  half  of  the  tenth  or  in  the  eleventh  century.  At 
any  rate  what  appears  to  be  a  reference  to  Samuel  the  King 
of  Bulgaria,  who  died  in  1014  after  a  forty-year  struggle  with 
the  Emperor  Basil  II,  would  seem  to  set  a  limit  before  which 
the  poem  could  not  have  been  written.  The  linguistic  authori- 
ties favor  the  eleventh  century.  Again  he  was  probably  a 
layman.  The  hearty  contempt  which,  in  spite  of  a  severe  tone 
of  piety,  he  expresses  for  monks  in  general,  tends  to  prove  the 
point.  Again  he  was  a  man  of  remarkable  learning.  His 
geographical  erudition  was  for  the  time  extraordinary.  He 
understood  thoroughly  the  parliamentary  and  legal  procedure 
of  the  period,  the  customs  of  the  assemblies  of  free  nobles,  the 
manner  in  which  "justice  was  done  by  Charles  the  King."  He 
was,  furthermore,  the  ablest  and  most  splendid  expositor  of 
what  is  par  excellence  the  most  important  idea  of  the  mediaeval 
mind,  the  idea  which  was  to  the  eleventh  and  twelfth  centuries 
what  the  theory  of  evolution  is  to  ours. 

The  idea  of  feudalism  as  it  was  must  not  be  confused  with 
the  idea  of  feudalism  as  the  novelists  have  conceived  it.  It 
was  not  a  social  theory  commingled  of  politeness  and  barbarity. 
Feudalism  meant  to  the  era  of  William  of  Normandy  an  orderly 
system,  far-reaching  and  all-embracing.  It  meant  a  system 
relating  man  to  master  and  master  to  God.  It  placed  responsi- 
bility, it  made  plain  duty,  it  did  justice.  Perhaps  its  methods 
were  crude  and  its  outlook  narrow;  but  our  social  iniquities, 

from  two  or  more  sources.  The  episode  of  Baligant  is  obviously  not  en 
train  with  the  rest  of  the  story.  However,  there  is  the  strongest  reason 
for  thinking  that  no  matter  where  he  obtained  his  materials  the  poem  as 
we  have  it  is  the  work  of  one  man. 

The  attempt  to  discover  various  hands  in  a  work  concerning  whose 
composition  no  external  evidence  exists  seems  to  me  on  a  par  with  the 
mad  hypothesis  of  those  who,  not  content  with  fathering  all  the  plays  of 
Shakespeare  upon  Francis  Bacon,  believe  that  he  is  also  to  be  credited  with 
works  as  dissimilar  as  the  Jew  of  Malta  and  the  Faerie  Queen. 


x  INTRODUCTION 

are  they  more  courageously  faced  today?  Our  statesmen,  are 
they  more  far-sighted?  The  spirit  of  this  feudalism  raised  to 
its  highest  power,  conceived  in  its  noblest  phase,  is  the  inform- 
ing spirit  of  the  great  poem  which  we  are  considering.  The 
performance  to  the  uttermost  of  a  feudal  duty  is  the  highest 
deed  a  good  man  can  do.  Everything  is  to  be  sacrificed  to  this 
end.  It  is  on  this  subject  that  the  poet  is  most  magnificently 
eloquent.  And  it  is  as  an  expression  of  this  misunderstood  but 
glorious  ideal  that  the  poem  is  particularly  interesting. 

When  the  importance  of  this  idea  is  fully  realized  it  will 
perhaps  appear  more  clearly  that  the  Song  of  Roland  is  some- 
thing more  than  a  striking  story.  Consecrating  the  pursuit 
of  the  feudal  ideal  as  it  did,  it  must  have  become  an  ethical 
force  of  a  positive  type.  Who  can  say  what  France  may  not 
have  owed  in  her  stormy  formative  years  to  a  poem  which  so 
triumphantly  celebrated  that  loyalty  and  sense  of  national 
unity  of  which  the  country  stood  in  such  bitter  need?  Is  it  too 
fanciful  to  imagine  that  the  Song  of  Roland  received,  nursed, 
and  disseminated  the  spirit  whose  purest  exponent  was  to  be 
Joan  of  Arc?  At  all  events  France  owes  to  her  first  and 
greatest  epic  the  earliest  example  of  that  patriotism,  that  fine 
tendency  to  act  as  an  undivided  nation,  which  has  made  her 
a  spiritual  leader  of  the  races  of  men. 

Of  the  poetic  qualities  of  the  Song  of  Roland,  the  reader 
must  form  his  own  opinion.  M.  Legouis  in  his  delightful 
Defense  de  la  Poesie  Fran9aise  has  described  them  and  our 
English  debt  to  them  as  only  a  brilliant  Frenchman  can.  The 
pleasure  in  color  and  light  and  sound,  the  fine  effects  of  con- 
trast, the  human  touches  which  relieve  a  characterization 
tending  too  much  to  resemble  the  rough-hewn  sculpture  of  the 
period,  all  these  are  earnest  of  greatness.  The  freshness  and 
directness  of  the  poet,  his  enthusiasm  and  simplicity  are 


INTRODUCTION  xi 

infinitely  attractive.  On  the  other  hand,  the  reader  may  find 
the  repetitiousness  and  meticulous  attention  to  inconsiderable 
detail  boring  to  a  degree.  He  will  realize  with  a  pang  that 
the  choosing  of  the  twelve  Saracen  champions  involves  a 
monotonous  series  of  conflicts  with  the  twelve  peers.  Nor  will 
he  be  indemnified  for  his  long-suffering  by  the  perpetual 
harping  repetition  on  the  subject  of  Ganelon's  treachery. 

Nevertheless,  the  reader  with  patience  to  endure  what  was 
inexpressibly  delightful  to  the  eleventh  century,  will  be  repaid 
for  his  complaisance  with  magnificent  pictures  of  flashing 
armies,  with  the  epic  revelation  of  heroic  spirits,  and  finally 
with  the  sense  of  having  been  in  the  presence  of  what  was 
intrinsically  majestic,  powerful  and  original. 


THE    SONG    OF    ROLAND 


I     For  seven  years  together,  the  Emperor  Charlemagne, 
Our  Lord  and  King,  had  sojourned  within  the  land  of  Spain. 
From  the  upland  to  the  sea-coast  he  had  conquered  all  the  land 
Nor  was  there  any  castle  before  him  left  to  stand. 
There  was  not  town  nor  bulwark  unbroken  by  his  might, 
Save  only  Saragossa  that  standeth  on  the  height, 
[jng  Marsile  held  that  city,  in  whom  no  grace  was  found     x 
To  love  his  God.    He  worshipped  Apollo  and  Mahound, 
Nor  could  shun  the  evil  fortune  that  beleaguered  him  around. 

\f 


II     King  Marsile  of  Saragossa  to  the  orchard  got  him  gone. 
He  laid  him  down  in  the  shadow  on  a  white  marble  stone. 
About  the  King  were  gathered  more  than  twenty  thousand  men. 
His  counts  and  dukes  unto  him  King  Marsile  summoned  then : 
"  Hearken,  my  lords,  how  sorely  are  we  girt  with  sin  and 

woe. 

Here  now  is  come  King  Charlemagne  our  land  to  overthrow. 
I  have  no  host  of  battle  to  meet  him  in  his  might, 
Nor  store  enough  of  henchmen  to  beat  him  in  the  fight. 
As  wise  men  give  me  counsel.     Save  me  from  this  death  and 

shame." 

None  spake  save  Blanchandrin  alone  from  Val  Fonde  Keep 

that  came. 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

III     Among  the  wisest  heathen  Blanchandrin  was  known  to  be. 
And  a  good  vassal,  moreover,  and  a  man  of  chivalry. 
Cunning  he  was,  and  skillful  his  overlord  to  aid, 
And  he  spoke  unto  King  Marsile  : 

66  Do  thou  not  be  dismayed. 

But  send  unto  King  Charlemagne,  the  arrogant  and  strong, 
Promise  of  faithful  service  and  friendship  leal  and  long. 
Gifts  shalt  thou  send  unto  him,  both  dogs  and  lions  good, 
And  seven  hundred  camels,  and  a  thousand  hawks  well  mewed. 
With  the  gold  and  with  the  silver,  mules  four  hundred  shalt 
And  fifty  wains,  moreover,  to  travel  on  the  road,         [thou  load, 
Wherewith  to  pay  his  soldiers.    He  hath  warred  here  long  enow. 
Unto  Aix  it  behoveth  him  in  the  land  of  France  to  go. 
At  Michaelmas  thou  shalt  turn  thee  to  Christ  and  his  belief 
To  hold  in  truth  and  honor  of  the  Emperor  thy  fief. 
If  for  hostages  he  asketh,  thou  shalt  for  him  procure 
Of  our  children  ten  or  twenty  to  make  thy  faith  more  sure, 
And  though  thereby  he  perish,  I  will  send  mine  own  dear  son. 
Rather  let  them  die  straightway  than  that  we  should  be  undone 
In  honor  and  dignity,  and  go  like  beggars  in  the  land." 


IV     Said  Blanchandrin,  moreover: 

"  Now  by  this  good  right  hand, 

And  by  the  beard  that  on  my  breast  is  beaten  by  the  breeze, 
Soon  shall  you  see  the  French  depart  out  of  our  provinces. 
They  will  go  back  to  the  land  of  France  and  the  country  that 

is  theirs. 

And  when  each  man  among  them  to  his  own  house  repairs, 
In  Aix,  in  his  own  chapel,  will  sit  King  Charlemagne. 
To  Saint  Michael  will  he  proffer  high  festival  again. 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  3 

The  day  will  come ;  the  term  will  pass ;  no  tidings  will  there  be ; 
And  the  King's  wrath  is  terrible,  and  a  proud  man  is  he. 
And  forthwith  from  our  hostages  the  heads  he  will  let  smite. 
Let  them  die,  so  Spain  we  lose  not,  the  beautiful  and  bright, 
Or  ever  bitter  evil  be  forced  to  undergo."  [happen  so." 

Said  the  heathen :      "  Indeed  the   matter,   it   well   might 


V     Marsile  the  King  had  finished  his  counsel  for  the  day. 

And  he  summoned  Claris  de  Balaguer  and  the  men  of  his  array. 

Estramaris  and  Eudropis  his  father  there  appeared. 

And  Priamos,  moreover,  and  Guarlan  of  the  beard, 

And  Machiner  and  Maheu  (Machiner's  erne  was  he), 

And  Joi'mer,  and  Malbien,  the  man  from  oversea, 

And  Blanchandrin,  moreover,  that  counsel  they  might  take. 

Ten  men  of  the  most  villainous  he  summoned,  and  he  spake ; 

"  Lord  barons,  unto  Charlemagne  the  King  ye  shall  go  down. 
He  lieth  in  the  leaguer  of  Cordova  the  town. 
The  Branches  ofjhe  oljye^n  Jjiejiand^ye  all  shall  bear 
Thatjrour  gojad-wjll   and  submission  ^Eo""tKg""£Tnyeror   shall 

declare. 

Andjf  through  your  good  counsel  ye  may  achieve  a  peace, 
I  will^jrive  you^fiefi^  anjjjjjnjxte  lands,  as~much JuTyou:  shall 

d^ejiough  of  gold  and-fiflver."  [please, 

Then  said  the  heathen  men  : 
Enough  we  have  already."    He  closed  the  council  then. 


VI     But  he  said  unto  his  henchmen : 

"  My  barons,  ye  must  fare. 
And  in  your  hands  the  branches  of  the  olive  ye  must  bear. 


4  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

Ye  shall  conjure  the  Emperor,  when  ye  speak  to  him  for  me, 
That  on  me  he  have  mercy  for  his  God's  clemency. 
The  month  shall  not  pass  over,  ere  unto  him  again 
I  shall  follow  my  embassadors  with  a  thousand  faithful  men. 
I  will  be  baptized  his  man  to  be  in  friendship  and  in  truth. 
And  if  he  will  have  hostages,  he  shall  have  them  in  all  sooth." 
Said  Blanchandrin :     "  Fair  fall  thee  for  the  tidings  we 

shall  bring." 


VII     Ten  white  mules  were  led  out  to  them  by  Marsilies  the 

King, 

The  gift  of  the  King  of  Seville.    Their  bits  were  all  of  gold. 
The  saddles  set  upon  them  were  silver  to  behold. 
They  got  them  straight  on  horseback  at  Marsile  his  command — 
The  branches  of  the  olive  they  carried  in  the  hand.  [fair, 

And  they  came  to  Charles  who  governed  the  land  of  France  the 
Who  could  not  wholly  keep  himself  from  falling  in  the  snare. 


I VIII     The  Emperor  was  merry;  his  heart  was  glad  withal. 

I  The  town  of  Cordova  was  ta'en,  and  overthrown  the  wall. 
With  his  catapults  the  towers  he  had  strongly  beaten  down. 
His  chevaliers  much  treasure  had  taken  in  the  town. 
Much  gold  and  silver  trappings  exceeding  rich  and  rare, 
And  longer  in  the  city  no  men  at  all  there  were 
That  were  not  slain  or  Christian.    In  an  orchard  Charlemagne 
Lay  with  Olivier  and  Roland  and  the  nobles  of  his  train, 
Samson  the  Duke  and  Anseis  the  fiery-hearted  one, 
And  Geoffrey  of  Anjou,  the  bearer  of  the  King's  gonfalon, 
And  Gerier  and  Gerin,  and  many  a  knight  as  good.^ 
Full  fifteen  thousand  Frenchmen  were  gathered  in  the  wood. 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  5 

The  cavaliers  were  seated  upon  the  cushions  white. 
They  were  playing  at  the  tables  for  pastime  and  delight. 
The  wiser  and  the  elder  at  the  game  of  draughts^ they  played; 
But  the  light  lads  of  the  army  great  sport  with  fence  they  made. 
Under  a  pine  beside  a  briar  was  lightly  to  behold 
A  high-seat  nobly  fashioned  out  of  the  purest  gold. 
There  sat  the  King  who  governed  all  the  sweet  realm  of  France, 
White-bearded  and  with  flowery  hair;  proud  was  his  counte- 
nance j 

And  fair  likewise,  and  his  body  was  stout  and  big  of  bone. 
To  who  would  look  upon  him  the  King  was  lightly  known. 
And  forthwith  the  embassadors  descended  from  the  steed, 
And  saluted  him  in  friendship,  and  bade  him  well  to  speed. 


IX     Blanchandrin  spoke  first  to  the  King.     He  said: 

"  Now  God  thee  save, 

The  glorious  whom  we  must  adore.    King  Marsilies  the  brave 
Putteth  this  matter  to  thee.    He  hath  questioned  long  and  well 
Concerning  the  religion  that  shall  save  him  out  of  Hell. 
He  would  give  thee  bears  and  lions,  and  in  leash  the  grey- 
hounds good, 

And  seven  hundred  camels,  and  a  thousand  hawks  well  mewed. 
And  with  the  gold  and  silver,  mules  four  hundred  will  he  load, 
And  fifty  wains,  moreover,  to  travel  on  the  road. 
There  will  be  bezants  a-plenty  of  the  fair  gold  and  fine, 
Wherewith  thou  mayst  pay  lightly  the  soldiers  of  thy  line. 
Herehast  thou  tarried  overlong-ji-hejioves  thee  to  rejmir 
To  France^  ItncTMarsJIe^  pietlgeslshall  soon  puTsue^Tnee  there, 
e  take^onjiim.    With  hands  folded  amain 
myinanand  hold  of  tliee  in  fief  the  realm  of  SpamT" 


6  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

Unto  his  God  the  Emperor  lifted  both  hands  of  grace. 
Forthwith  he  lowered  his  proud  head,  and  the  thoughts  came 

apace. 


X  The  Emperor  bent  down  his  brows.     No  hasty  word  he 
In  speech  it  was  his  custom  his  leisure  aye  to  take.  [spake. 
But  lordly  was  his  visage  when  he  liftecTup  the  head ; 

And  he  spake  to  the  embassadors : 

"  Now  much  good  have  ye  said. 

But  King  JVtarsile-for,  the^  chief est  of  my  foemen  is  jxmowned. 
UponHns  words  that  ye  have"ghm^nat  credit  maylJoui 
Said  the  Sara^er: "" 

"  Our  hostages  shall  make  thy  trust  the  more. 
Thou  shalt  have  ten-oT*1TTteeia  men,  or,  an  thou  wilt,  a  score. 
And  at  the  hazard  of  his  life  I  will  send  mine  own  dear  son. 
The  children  of  our  bravest  to  thee  shall  be  sent  on. 
And  in  thy  lordly  palace,  what  time  that  thou  shalt  be 
On  the  great  feast  of  Saint  Michael-of-the-Peril-of-the-Sea, 
There  will  my  pledges  follow  (this  is  the  word  of  the  King). 
At   the  baths   that   God  wrought   for   thee  will  he   have   his 
Then  answered  Charles  the  Emperor:  [christening." 

"  Yet  hope  abideth  here." 

XI  Oh,  lovely  was  the  vespertide^  and  the  sun  sank  fair  and 

clear. 

The  ten  white  mules  to  the  stables  by  Charlemagne  were  sent. 
Within  the  noble  orchard  the  King  let  pitch  a  tent, 
And  host  to  the  embassadors  was  Charlemagne  that  day. 
Twelve  sergeants  of  the  army,  their  servitors  were  they. 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  7 

They  bided  all  the  evening  till  the  fair  day  was  born. 

The  Emperor  already  was  risen  in  the  morn, 

And  had  heard  mass  and  matins.     'Neath  a  pine-tree  did  he 

He  called  to  him  his  barons  to  take  his  counsel  there.  [fare. 

For  he  desired  unto  the  Franks  the  matter  to  declare. 


XII     Beneath  a  mighty  pine  tree  the  Emperor  sate  in  state. 
He  summoned  there  his  barons  to  counsel  and  debate. 
There  came  Archbishop  Turpin ;  there,  also,  Ogier  came ; 
Old  Richard  and  his  nephew  that  Henry  had  to  name ; 
And  Accelin  the  noble  count  of  the  land  of  Gascony ; 
Tybalt  of  Rheims,  and  Milon  (of  Tybalt's  kin  was  he) 
And  Gerier  and  Gerin.    With  them  Count  Roland  stood, 
And  Olivier,  moreover,  the  gallant  and  the  good. 
Of  Franks  of  France  unto  the  place  a  thousand  men  did  wend 
Ganelon  came,  the  traitor  that  betrayed  his  King  and  friend. 
And  there  began  the  council  that  had  so  ill  an  end. 


XIII  "  Lord  barons,"  said  King  Charlemagne,  "  King  Marsile 
To  give  me  store  of  treasure  out  of  his  heritage,  [doth  engage 
Lions  and  bears,  and  greyhounds,  well  leashed  that  be  and 

good, 

And  seven  hundred  camels,  and  a  thousand  hawks  well  mewed ; 
Twenty-score  mules  that  bear  the  gold  of  the  Arabian  plains, 
And  therebeside,  moreover,  full  fifty  laden  wains. 
Biit_helayeth  condition,  on  me,  that  to  France  I  shall  repair. 
Unto  Aix  will  he  follow,  and  in  my  palace  there 
By  the  law  of  our  salvation  clean  christened  will  he  be, 

Ha     _u ^-  J_^_ -iBM-ui    •  mm  TIMMI    LJ  ,,._ ~~M+^m^^^ 

And  hold  in  fief  his  marches  amHife-3omains  of  me. 


8  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

But  I  know  not  what  he  thinketh,  if  it  be  good  or  guile." 

Thereto  said  the  French  barons :    "  We  had  best  ward  the 

""while." 

XIV  The  king  made  clear  his  counsel  unto  the  barons  there, 
But  Count  Roland  in  the  matter  would  have  nor  lot  nor  share. 
Up  he  sprang  and  gainsaid  it : 

"  Never  believe  again         [Spain. 

King  Marsile.     Seven  years  are  past  since  first  we  came  to 
Constantinople  the  city,  and  Commibles  the  town  beside, 
Valtierra  and  the  Land  of  Pine  have  I  conquered  far  and  wide. 
Balaguer,  Seville,  Tudela,  I  stormed  them  in  my  way. 
King  Marsile  will  do  nothing,  but  deceive  thee  and  betray. 
He  sent  thee  fifteen  Pa^nimsj  they  also  said  the  same. 
With  branches  of  the  olive  to  speak  their  word  they  came. 
Thou  badest  the  Franks  to  council.     They  charged  thee  light 

enow. 

Two  counts  of  thine  to  the  heathen,  thou  badest  then  to  go. 
One  of  them  was  Count  Basan,  the  other  Basil  the  Count. 
The  heathen  clave  their  necks  in  twain  under  Haltilie  the  mount, 
y  out  the  war,  King  Charlemagne,  in  the  guise  that  it 
ad  on  to  Saragossa  the  army  of  the  ban.  [began. 

Though  the  siege  endure  thy  life-time,  undertake  it,  Charle- 
magne, 

And   avenge   thy   two   embassadors   that  by   this   knave   were 
v  slain." 

XV  The   Emperor   bowed   down   his    head   when    spoke    the 

paladin. 

Aye  plucked  he  with  his  fingers  at  the  beard  on  lip  and  chin. 
He  spake  nor  good  nor  evil  to  his  nephew  in  reply. 
The  Franks  were  still.    Ganelon  rose,  and  to  the  King  did  cry. 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  9 


But  fierily  and  fiercely  Ganelon  his  speech  began. 
He  said  unto  King  Charlemagne  :  / 

"  Believe  no  lawless  man, 

Nor  me  nor  any  other,  if  no  gain  to  thee  it  bring. 
But,  when  such  a  thing  is  promised  by  Marsilies  the  King, 
That  with  hands  joined  together  thy  henchman  he  will  stand, 
And  will  receive  the  whole  of  Spain  for  a  good  gift  at  thy  hand, 
And  in  the  pathway  of  our  faith  will  undertake  to  go, 
Let  us  reject  his  counsel,  that  hath  given  counsel  so. 
For  Sire,  he  careth  little  by  what  death  we  shall  die. 
And  the  counsel  of  this  arrogance  —  for  us  to  stand  thereby 
Would  in  no  way  be  wisdom,  nor  just  in  any  ffuiseT  _ 
Let  us  forsake  the  foolish  and  cleave  unto  the  wise." 


XVI     Neimes   came  next.     At   the   King's   court   was   better 
He  said :  [yassal  none- 

"  Ye  have  heard  the  answer  of  the  Count  Ganelon. 
And  wisdom  hath  he  spoken,  but  this  let  all  men  know : 
Marsile  the  King  is  beaten  in  the  broad  overthrow. 
By  storm,  O  King,  hast  thou  taken  his  cities  one  and  all ; 
With  thy  catagultsj  moreover,  hast  thou  battered  down  his 

wall; 

Thou  hast  beaten  his  men  in  battle,  thou  hast  burned  his  cities 

with  fire. 

When  peace  and  pity  at  thy  hands  King  Marsile  doth  desire, 
Sin  would  it  be  most  certainly  that  battle  should  endure, 
If  he  will  give  thee  hostages  to  make  his  waj^rjinj^sure. 
Never  must  this  great  war  of  ours  into  a  greater  swell." 

Then  said  the  Frankish  barons :     "  The  Duke  saith  right 

and  well." 


10  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

XVII  "  Lord  barons,"  said  King  Charlemagne,  "which  one  of 

you  shall  bring 

My  message  to  Saragossa  to  Marsilies  the  King?" 
Neimes  the  Duke  gave  answer?"' 

"  I  will  go  at  thy  command. 

The  staff  of  state  and  the  gauntlet  give  now  unto  my  hand." 
King  Charlemagne  said  straightway: 

"  Too  wise  is  thy  heart  within, 

And  by  the  beard  upon  my  lip  and  the  beard  upon  my  chin, 
Thou  shalt  not  in  this  hour  go  so  far  away  from  me. 
Go  sit  thee  down,  I  prithee,  since  no  man  summons  thee." 

XVIII  "  Lord  barons,"  said  King  Charlemagne,  "  say  now 

which  of  my  men 

We  shall  send  to  Sajragossa  unto  the  Saracen 
That  ruleth  in  the'city."  " 

Roland  his  answer  gave, 
"  I  will  go  myself."    Said  Olivier : 

"  Too  terrible  and  brave 

Is  thy  spirit.     And  I  fear  me  thou  wouldst  have  some  over- 

But  if  the  King  desire  it  right  gladly  will  I  go."  [throw. 

Said  the  King:  [from  my  sight. 

"  Be  still !     Nor  he  nor  thou  shall  go  forth 

For  by  this  beard  of  mine  ye  see  that  turneth  now  to  white 

A  judgement  on  my  twelve  good  peers  most  certainly  would 

fall." 

Hushed  were  the  Franks  and  silent  they  waited  one  and 

all. 

XIX  Turpin  of  Rheims  rose  straightway  from  his  station  in 
And  said  to  Charles  the  Emperor :  [the  ranks, 

"  Let  be — let  be  thy  Franks. 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  11 

They  have  been  here  this  seven  year  and  suffered  pain  and  woe. 
Give  now  the  glove  and  staff  to  me.    To  the  Paynim  I  will  go, 
The  realm  of  Spain  that  ruleth,  his  purposes  to  see." 

But  the  Emperor  gave  answer  exceeding  angrily : 
"  Sit  down  on  the  white  cushion  and  speak  no  more  this  day, 
Unless  I  shall  command  thee  thy  counsel  here  to  say." 


XX     "  Ye  knights  of  France,"  said  Charlemagne,  "  a  baron  of 

my  land 

Choose  ye  now  with  my  message  in  Marsile's  court  to  stand." 
Said  Roland: 

"  Let  it  be  Ganelon  that  is  near  kin  to  me, 
My  stepfather."     Then  said  the  Franks : 

"  He  might  do  it  readily. 
An  thou  send  him,  thou  canst  never  send  a  wiser  man  than  he." 

" 


XXI     Said  Charlemagne : 

"  Count  Ganelon,  now  forth  before  us  stand. 
The  staff  of  place  and  ^fie^gauntlet^iow  take  them  in  the  hand. 
Thou  art  chosen.     By  the  common  choice  on  thee  the  lot  doth 
Said  Ganelon:  [fall." 

"  This  matter  Count  Roland  wrought  it  aljA/ 
In  no  wise  do  I  love  him,  nor  Olivier  beside,  sy* 

(For  he  is  Roland's  comrade)  nor  the  twelve  peers  of  thy  pride 
That  love  Count  Roland.    In  thy  sight  do  I  defy  them  now." 
Said  the  King: 

"  Too  much  of  evil  within  thy  heart  hast  thou./ 
But  thou  must  go  most  certainly  because  of  my  command."/ 

"  I  go !  but  lo,  I  have  thereto  no  warrant  to  my  hand. 
Basil  and  Basan  the  brothers  no  warranty  had  they. 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 


XXII  "  And  I  know  that  to  Saragossa  I  needs  must  take  my 
And  he  who  goeth  thither  returneth  never  here.  [way. 
Ah  King,  am  I  not  wedded  unto  thy  sister  dear, 

By  whom  I  have  a  man-child,  and  fairer  is  none  than  he. 
If  the  lad  Baldwin  liveth,  a  hero  will  he  be. 
To  him  I  leave  my  honors  and  all  my  fiefs  likewise. 
Look  to  the  lad,  for  never  shall  I  see  him  with  these  eyes." 
Said  Charlemagne  the  Emperor: 

"  Too  tender  is  thy  heart. 
But  since  I  have  commanded  it,  behoves  thee  to  depart." 

XXIII  And  thereupon  was  Ganelon  troubled  exceeding  sore. 
From  his  neck  he  snatched  the  mantle  of  marten-fur  he  wore. 
And  stood  there  in  his  silk  attire.    His  eyes  went  to  and  fro 
Proudly.    Most  splendid  was  his  port^and  his  flanks  were  stark 
And  all  the  peers  looked  on  him,  so  fair  he  was  to  see.          [enow. 
And  he  said  to  Roland : 

"  Wherefore,  fool,  is  this  folly  come  on  thee? 
/For  that  I  am  thy  step-sire  Hghtl^  may  all  men  know. 
[Yet  hast  thou  given  counsel  that  to  Marsile  I  should  go. 
If  but  God  grant  it  to  me  that  I  come  back  again, 
I  shall  attempt  against  thee  what  shall  bring  thee  grief  and 
And  shall  endure  moreover,  unto  thy  life's  last  tide."          [pain 
And  the  Count  Roland  answered: 

"  I  have  heard  folly  and  pride. 

Men  know  that  for  this  menace  I  do  not  care  a  whit  j_ 
But  the  bearer  of  this  message  should  be  a  man  of  wit. 
In  thy  place,  at  the  King's  pleasure,  I  will  go  to  compass  it." 

XXIV  But  Ganelon  gave  answer: 

"  Thou  shalt  not  go  for  me, 
For  I  am  not  thy  henchman ;  nor  am  I  lord  of  thee. 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  13 

The  Emperor  in  his  service  has  given  me  command. 
I  will  go  to  Saragossa  before  the  King  to  stand. 
Leisure  I  need,  for  mine  anger  is  risen  high  and  proud." 

And  when  Count  Roland  heard  it,  he  began  to  laugh  aloud. 


XXV     When  Ganelon  saw  Roland  how  loud  he  laughed  and 

long, 

It  irked  him.    He  was  like  to  burst,  his  anger  was  so  strong. 
He  had  lost  his  witjn  n  littiT"    Unto  the  Count  he  said : 

"  I  love  thee  not.     This  judgment  through  thee  is  on  my 
Just  Emperor,  thou  seest  here  have  I  come  to  thee.  [head. 

To  accomplish  thy  commandment  whatsoever  it  may  be." 


XXVI     The  Emperor  to   Ganelon   gave  o'er  his   right-hand 

glove, 

But  for  the  j>ass  in  which  he  was  the  Count  had  little  love, 
And  when  he  should  have  grasped  the  glove,  he  let  it  fall  to 

ground. 

"  Christ  God !     What  evil  meaning  in  the  matter  may  be 

found  ? 

We  shall  have  loss  of  this  embassy^"  said  all  the  Franks  around. 
"  My  lords,"  said  Ganelon  the  Count,  "  Of  this  matter  ye 

shall  know." 


XXVII     And  "  Sire,"  he  said  to  the  Emperor,  "  now  give  me 

leave  to  go. 
Since  go  I  must  it  were  not  just  here  in  delay  to  pine.'L 

Then  said  King  Charlemagne :     "  Go  forth  for  Christ  his 

sake  and  mine." 


14  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

He  absolved  the  Count  with  his  right  hand,  and  crossed  him 

straight  thereon. 
Letter  and  stave  forthwith  he  gave  to  the  Count  Ganelon. 

XXVIII  Unto  his  hall  went  Ganelon.     In  coat  of  mail  com- 

plete 

He  armed  him,  and  the  golden  spurs  he  put  upon  his  feet, 
JV  And  Murglas,  the  great  warsword,  he  belted  at  his  side. 
yOn  Tachebrun  the  charger  he  mounted  him  to  ride. 
And  Crulnemer  his  uncle  forth  to  hold  the  stirrup  stepped. 
There  might  you  see  good  store  of  knights,  despairingly  that 
And  they  said :  [wept. 

"  How  evil,  Baron,  is  the  lot  fallen  on  thee ! 
At  the  King's  court  well  wast  thou  known  a  nobleman  to  be. 
And  he  who  wrought  that  thou  shouldst  go  unto  the  King  of 

Spain 

Shall  not  be  guarded  well  enough  by  the  hands  of  Charlemagne. 
Niaiifffrt  j^  fohnypH  Cnu™^  Hyln/nH  gncli  a  matter  to  begin, 
For  thou  dost  trace  thy  lineage  unto  a  mightyTari."*  [on." 

After  they  said :     "  Now  into  Spain  we  pray  thee  lead  us 
"  It  were  not  pleasing  in  God's  sight,"  gave  answer  Ganelon. 
"  'Twere  better  I  should  perish  than  in  the  overthrow 
My  lads  should  fall.    My  barons,  to  sweet  France  shall  ye  go. 
Give  ye  my  salutation  unto  my  lady  dear, 
And  likewise  unto  Pinabel  who  is  my  friend  and  peer, 
And  unto  my  son  Baldwin.     Give  him  your  service  strong. 
Take  him  for  lord." 

Forth  on  his  way  Ganelon  rode  along. 

XXIX  Count  Ganelon  hath  galloped  under  an  olive  tall. 
The  Saracen  embassadors  were  come  there  one  and  all. 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  15 

For  to  await  him,  Blanchandrin  had  tarried  there  the  while. 
They  spoke  unto  each  other  in  wisdom  and  in  guile. 
Said  Blanchandrin: 

"  Most  marvellous  is  this  man  Charlemagne 
He  hath  conquered  all  Apulia  and  the  Calabrian  Plain. 
He  hath  passed  into  England  over  the  fair  salt  sea. 
To  the  profit  of  Saint  Peter  he  hath  ta'en  their  tribute  fee. 
What  seeks  this  man  among  us  within  the  march  of  Spain?" 
Said  the  Count :  [him  in  vain." 

"  His  lust !    Is  no  man  but  will  fight  with 

XXX  Said  the  Paynim :  [dukes  do  ill 

"  Gentle  are  the  Franks ;  but  the  counts  and 
Unto  their  lord,  who  give  him  so  bad  a  counsel  still, 
For  he  and  many  others  will  perish  in  the  war." 

Said  the  Count:  [smart  therefor. 

"  Nay,   none   but   Roland ;    and   he    shall 
The  King  sat  yestermorning  in  the  shadow  of  a  tree, 
And  thither  came  his  nephew.    In  his  hauberk  clad  was  he, 
For  he  had  been  a-raiding  by  Carcassone  in  the  land. 
And  a  vermilion  apple  he  carried  in  his  hand. 

'  Take  it,  fair  Sire,'  said  Roland  unto  his  uncle  then, 
6 1  will  give  to  thee  the  coronets  of  all  the  kings  of  men.' 
His  own  pride  will  dgsjjcpy  him.    He  is  given  to  death  each  day. 
We  would  have  peace,  if  any  should  hap  the  man  to  slay." 

XXXI  Said  Blanchandrin : 

"  This  Roland  is  an  evil  man  withal, 

That  of  so  many  nations  would  make  cowards  of  them  all, 
And  their  governance,  moreover,  put  to  hazard  in  the  fight. 
How  shall  he  win  this  glory  and  by  what  nation's  might  ?" 


16  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

And  Ganelon  made  answer: 

"  The  Franks  shall  compass  it. 

They  love  him  so  that  never  will  they  fail  the  man  a^wnTfc. 
Overmuch  gold  and  silver  hath  Roland  given  the  host.  [cost. 

And  mules  and  horses  and  precious  cloths  and  robes  of  mighty 
And  byj^nnnt  Tfolarid's  va|orr  King  Charles  his  realm  hath  won.^ 
And  Roland  will  win  the  world  for  him  from  here  to  the  rising 


XXXII  Count  Ganelon  and  the  Paynim  rode  so  far  along 

the  way 

That  they  struck  their  faith  together  that  Roland  they  might 

slay. 

So  hard  they  rode  together  the  roads  and  highways  through 
That  at  last  in  Saragossa  they  lighted  under  a  yew. 
There  was  fashioned  a  high-seat  in  the  shadow  of  a  pine, 
Draped  in  an  Alexandrian  cloth,  most  fair  that  was  and  fine. 
There  sat  the  King  that  held  all  Spain,  the  whole  realm  far  and 
By  twenty  thousand  Saracens  girtjound  on  every  side.      [wide, 
Not  a  sound  was  there.    So  eager  were  those  about  the  King 
For  the  tidings  that  Count  Ganelon  and  Blanchandrin  should 

bring. 

XXXIII  Then    Blanchandrin    stepped    forward    before    the 

King  to  stand ; 

And  Ganelon  beside  him,  he  led  him  by  the  hand. 
And  he  said  to  the  King : 

"  May  now  our  gods  keep  thee  both  safe  and  sound 
Whose  holy  laws  we  keep  alway — Apollo  and  Mahound.  [air, 
We  gave  thy  charge  to  Charlemagne  that  raised  his  hands  in 
Praising  his  God,  but  answer  beside  he  gave  none  there. 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  17 

But  to  thee  a  noble  baron  of  his  henchmen  doth  he  send, 
A  man  of  France.    Moreover  he  hath  honors  without  end. 
To  him  now  shalt  thou  hearken  if  we  have  peace  or  none."    [on." 
Marsile  the  King  gave  answer :  "  We  hear.  Let  him  speak 


XXXIV     Now  Ganelon  had  thought  thereof  and  his  tale  began 

to  tell 

Wisely,  as  a  man  who  knoweth  how  to  shape  his  dealings  well. 
He  said  to  the  King: 

"  Now  swiftly  may  God's  blessing  light  on  thee, 
The  Glorious,  whose  servants  we  evermore  should  be. 
For  this  is  the  commandment  of  the  Lord  Charlemagne : 
That  thou  become  a  Christian.    Of  half  the  land  of  Spain 
Will  he  seize  thee.     The  Count  Roland  of  the  remnant  will  he 

seize. 

Thou  wilt  have  a  partner  arrogant  to  share  thy  provinces. 
If  thou  canst  not  accord  thee  with  the  good  terms  of  my  King, 
His  leaguer  round  Saragossa  he  certainly  will  bring. 
Thou  shalt  be  bound  and  captive  in  the  triumph  of  his  power. 
To  Aix,  unto  the  high-seat  will  they  lead  thee  in  that  hour. 
Then  shall  his  condemnation  end  the  glory  of  thy  name. 
There  shalt  thou  die  assuredly  in  villainy  and  shame." 

Then  was  King  Marsile  mastered  with  terror  manifold. 
Forthwith  he  seized  the  javelin  that  was  worked  with  yellow 

gold, 
And  would  have  cast  but  that  his  men  upon  him  laid  their  hold. 


XXXV     Changed  Marsile's   color.      In  his   hand   the   spear 

trembled  and  swayed. 
When  Ganelon  had  seen  it  he  laid  hold  upon  his  blade. 


.. 


18  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

To  the  length  of  his  two  fingers  he  laid  the  weapon  bare. 
And  he  said  unto  the  sword-blade : 

"  How  clear  thou  art  and  fair ! 

What  though  I  might  have  worn  thee  at  the  court  before  this 

King, 

Ne'er  shall  the  Emperor  of  France  of  me  say  such  a  thing, 
That  alone  I  was  defeated  within  the  strange  countrie. 
Ere  that  the  best  of  them  shall  buy  their  dearest  blood  of  thee." 


XXXVI     So  hard  the  greatest  Paynims  besought  the  King  of 
That  Marsile  in  the  high-seat  seated  himself  again.  [Spain 

Forthwith  spake  out  the  Algalif^ 

"  Thou  hast  done  us  all  much  ill, 
Who    would    have    smitten    the    Frenchman.      Thou    shouldst 

Said  Ganelon:  [hearken  and  be  still." 

"  Lord,  with  my  place  to  suffer  well  may  stand. 
Yet  not  for  all  the  gold  that  God  hath  fashioned  by  his  hand 
To  say  would  I  give  over,  if  my  leisure  be  so  long, 
What  command  to  me  was   given  by  King  Charlemagne  the 
That  it  I  might  deliver  to  his  mortal  enemy."  [strong, 

Ganelon  on  his  shoulders  a  sable  cloak  had  he. 
And  a  cloth  of  Alexandria  about  the  cloak  was  wound. 
He  cast  it  off,  and  Blanchandrin  lifted  it  from  the  ground. 
But  to  give  up  the  great  warsword  he  would  not  give  accord. 
He  set  his  right  hand  forthwith  on  the  gold  hilt  of  the  sword. 
Thereupon  said  the  heathen  :    "  This  is  a  gallant  lord." 


XXXVII     Then  unto  the  King  Marsile  Count  Ganelon  drew 

And  he  said  to  the  King  :  [near 

"  'Tis  ill  beseen  that  thus  thou  ragest  here. 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  19 

For  this  is  the  word  of  Charles  the  King  that  over  France  doth 

reign, 

That  thou  become  a  Christian.    Of  half  the  land  of  Spain 

Will  he  seize  thee.     Roland  his  nephew  of  the  remnant  will  he 

seize. 

Thou  wilt  have  a  partner  arrogant_to  share  thy  provinces. 

If  thou  canst  not  accord  thee  with  the  good  terms  of  my  King, 

His  leaguer  round  Saragossa  he  certainly  will  bring. 

Thou  shalt  be  bound  and  captive  in  the  triumph  of  his  po^ 

Forthwith  to  Aix  his  city  will  they  lead  thee  in  that  hour. 

Palfrey  or  battle-charger  thou  shalt  not  ride  that  day. 

Mule  or  she-mule  thou  shalt  not  have  to  gallop  on  the  way. 

Upon  some  evil  sumpter-beast  thou  shalt  be  thrown  instead. 

When  forth  is  gone  the  judgment,  then  shalt  thou  lose  thine 

head. 

In  the  letter  that  he  sendeth  our  Emperor  greets  thee  fair." 
In  his  right  hand  he  reached  it  unto  the  heathen  there. 


XXXVIII     The  face  of  Marsile  reddened  as  flashed  his  anger 
He  broke  the  seal  in  pieces  and  hurled  the  wax  about.  [out. 

He  looked  upon  the  letter  and  read  it  through  amain  : 

"  Lo,  what  King  Charles  commands  me,  that  over  France 

doth  reign, 

That  I  should  now  remember  his  anger  and  his  pain. 
Of  Basil  and  of  Basan,  he  taketh  now  account 
Whereof  the  heads  I  severed  under  Haltilie  the  mount. 
If  the  life  of  my  dear  body  I  desire  to  redeem, 

Then  must  I  send  unto  him  the  Algalif  mine  eme.^ 

Otherwise  in  no  manner  peace  with  me  can  he  make." 
Thereafter  to  his  father  the  son  of  Marsile  spake, 


20  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

And  said  to  the  King : 

"  Great  folly  saith  Ganelon  thee  before, 

Such  folly  it  were  right  and  meet  that  he  should  live  no  more. 
Let  me  have  him  to  avenge  thee." 

When  the  Count  heard,  in  air 

He  brandished  blade,  and  set  his  back  against  a  pine-trunk 

there. 


XXXIX     The  King  into  the  orchard  departed  there  and  then, 
And  forthwith  gathered  to  him  the  best  of  all  his  men. 
And  Blanchandrin,  moreover,  with  the  white  beard  came  there, 
And  also  the  Prince  Jorfaleu,  King  Marsile's  son  and  heir, 
And  the  King's  erne,  the  Algalif,  his  faithful  man  and  leal. 

Said  Blanchandrin:      "Call   here   the   Frank.      HtThath 

sworn  to  work  our  weal." 

Said  the  King :     "  Do  thou  then  bring  him."     By  the 

fingers  of  his  hand 

Through  the  orchard  Blanchandrin  led  him  to  where  the  King 

did  stand. 
And  there  that  wicked  treason  the  three  contrived  and  planned. 


XL     "Lo,  now,  thou  good  Lord  Ganelon,"  said  Marsilies  the 

King, 

u  Hereof  there  is  no  question ;  I  have  wronged  thee  in  this  thing 
When  in  wrath  I  strove  to  strike  thee,  grievously  did  I  err. 
Take  thou  for  mine  atonement  this  cloak  of  marten  fur." 
More  than  an  hundred  golden  pounds  is  worth  that  minever. 
And  Ganelon  gave  answer: 

"  To  this  I  yield  accord. 
May  God,  if  it  be  his  pleasure,  give  thee  a  great  reward." 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  21 

XLI     "  Count  Ganelon,"  said  Marsile,  "  the  truth  to  thee  I  tell. 
I  have  it  in  my  spirit  to  love  thee  passing  well.  [day  is  o'er ; 

L  would  hear  thee  speak  of  Charlemagne,  who  is  old,  and  whose 
Of  years  unto  my  thinking  he  hath  lived  a  full  ten-score. 
And  he  hath  borne  him  manful  in  many  a  foreign  field, 
And  many  a  stroke,  moreover,  hath  taken  on  his  shield ; 
And  of  many  a  wealthy  ruler  a  beggar  hath  he  made. 
When  will  he  grow  a- weary  of  the  ravage  and  the  raid?" 

"  Not  such  an  one  is  Charlemagne,"  Ganelon  answer  gave, 
"  No  man  that  sees  and  knows  him  but  knows  that  he  is  brave. 
I  know  not  how  to  praise  him  or  to  boast  within  this  place 
How  much  more  hath  the  Emperor  of  glory  and  of  grace. 
What  man  his  deeds  of  valor  is  able  to  relate? 
With  such  a  knighthood  also  our  God  hath  made  him  great 
That  better  'twere  to  perish  than  to  fall  from  that  estate."     \ 


XLII     Said  the  Paynim: 

"  Very  greatly  I  marvel  on  this  score. 
This  Charlemagne  the  Emperor  is  very  old  and  hoar, 
After  my  deeming  certainly  two  hundred  years  and  more. 
Such  labor  of  the  body  hath  he  wrought  in  many  a  land, 
Such  bitter  strokes  hath  suffered  of  the  battle-spear  and  brand, 
And  of  so  many  rulers  poor  beggars  hath  he  made. 
When  will  he  grow  a- weary  of  the  ravage  and  the  raid?" 

"  That  will  not  be,"  said  Ganelon,  "  while  Roland's  head  is 
There  is  not  such  a  vassal  neath  the  hollow  of  the  sky.         [high. 
And  a  gallant  soldier  also  is  his  comrade  Olivier, 
And  the  twelve  peers,  moreover,  whom  Charlemagne  holds  dear, 
Of  twenty  thousand  horsemen  are  ever  more  the  yai^.  . 
Sure  is  the  King  among  them  is  not  one  caitiff  man." 


22     S  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

JII     Said  the  Paynim: 

"  A  great  marvel  this  matter  do  I  hold. 
That  Charlemagne  the  Emperor  is  grown  so  white  and  old. 
I  deem  that  more  than  ten  good  score  of  years  the  man  hath 

told. 

Throughout  so  many  nations  he  hath  conquered  near  and  far, 
So  many  strokes  hath  suffered  from  the  keen  sword  of  war, 
So  many  wealthy  sovereigns  hath  he  happed  to  take  or  slay. 
When  then  will  he  be  weary  of  warring  thus  alway?" 

"  That   will  not   be   while   Roland   lives,"   said   the   Count 

Ganelon, 

"  Tfyere  is  not  such  a  vassal  from  here  to  the  rising  sun. 
And  Olivier  his  comrade  is  a  soldier  stark  and  bold. 

.  Sy   *•         -•"' 

And  the  twelve  peers,  moreover,  that  dear  the  King  doth  hold, 
Are  the  vanguard  of  an  army  of  twenty  thousand  Franks. 
The  King  knows  well  no  coward  is  found  among  their  ranks." 


XLIV     Marsile  the  King  to  Ganelon  again  the  word  said  he : 
"  So  fair  is  this  my  knighthood  better  is  not  to  see. 
Four  hundred  thousand  horseman  are  in  this  host  of  mine. 
Lightly  can  I  fight  with  Charlemagne  and  the  French  battle- 
And  Ganelon  gave  answer:  [line." 

"  Fight  thou  not  in  this  hour. 

Thou  shalt  gain  a  mighty  slaughter  of  all  the  Paynim  power. 
But  put  aside  this  folly  and  a  wise  counsel  take : 
Out  of  thy  rich  possession  such  a  present  shalt  thou  make 
To  the  Emperor  that  no  Frank  shall  be  but  shall  marvel  without 

end. 

And  because  of  the  twenty  hostages  that  to  him  thou  shalt  send 
Again  to  the  sweet  realm  of  France  the  Emperor  shall  repair. 
And  the  rear-guard  of  the  army  he  shall  leave  behind  him  there. 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  23 

With  the  rear  his  nephew  Roland,  I  trow,  will  march  along, 
And  Olivier,  moreover,  the  courteous  and  the  strong. 
Dead  are  the  Counts,  an  thou  hearken  the  counsel  of  my  tongue. 
Charles  shall  behold  his  mighty  pride  how  greatly  it  shall  fall. 
Further  desire  for  battle  he  shall  not  have  at  all." 


XLV     "Prithee,  my  good  Lord  Ganelon,"  did  the  King  Marsile 

say, 

"  In  what  fashion  shall  I  labor  Roland  the  Count  to  slay?" 
And  Ganelon  gave  answer : 

"  I  will  even  tell  it  to  thee. 

At  Sizre  in  the  great  defile  the  Emperor  will  be, 
And  his  rear-guard  behind  him  to  its  post  he  will  command. 
There  will  be  Roland  his  nephew  that  hath  so  strong  an  hand, 
And  Olivier,  moreover,  whom  the  King  trusteth  so. 
And  twenty- thousand  Frenchmen  in  their  company  will  go. 
An  hundred  thousand  Paynims  thither  shalt  thou  bid  fare. 
A  battle  to  the  Frenchmen  they  first  shall  offer  there.          [host, 
Ah,  white  the  faces  of  the  Franks !  slaughtered  shall  be  their 
Not  but  in  lives  of  soldiers  thou  shalt  bear  a  mighty  cost. 
Once  more  on  them  in  battle  in  like  fashion  shalt  thou  fall ; 
In  which  Count  Roland  perishes  it  matters  not  at  all. 
But  thou  shalt  have  done  in  battle  a  deed  of  gentle  might, 
Nor  ever  in  thy  lifetime  shalt  have  need  to  fight  the  fight. 


XL VI     "  Who  bringeth  to  pass  that  Roland  in  battle  shall  be 
The  right  arm  of  his  body  shall  tear  from  Charlemagne,     [slain, 
Quiet  shall  be  forever  the  marvellous  hosts  of  war, 
And  he  will  never  gather  such  mighty  armies  more. 


24  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

The  Greater  Land,  moreover,  in  peace  and  rest  shall  be." 

When  Marsile  heard,  upon  the  neck  he  kissed  him  eagerly, 
And  forthwith  unto  Ganelon  let  ope  his  treasury. 

XL VII     Again  spake  the  King  Marsile : 

"  Why  do  I  not  speak  forth? 

If  we  be  not  certain,  each  of  each,  the  counsel  is  no  worth. 
Swear  now  unto  this  treason,  if  faith  in  thee  there  be." 
And  Ganelon  gave  answer :    "  It  shall  fall  as  pleaseth  thee." 

He  swore  upon  the  relics  in  the  sword  Murglas'  hilt 
To  carry  out  the  treason.    Thus  was  compassed  all  his  guilt. 

XL VIII     Thereby   there   stood   a   high-seat   wrought   out   of 

elephant  horn. 

King  Marsile  let  before  him  a  certain  book  be  borne.  [plain. 

Therein  the  law  of  Termagauni   and  Mahound  was  written 
And  then  his  oath  upon  it  sware  that  Saracen  of  Spain 
That,  if  upon  Count  Roland  in  the  rear-guard  he  might  light, 
With  the  whole  array  of  Paynims  against  him  would  he  smite ; 
And,  were  it  his  lot,  would  perish  like  a  true  man  in  the  fray. 
Said  Ganelon :     "  Now  blessings  on  our  covenant  alway." 

XLIX     Then  laughing  clear  strode  forward  a  Paynim  Valda- 
And  raised  up  the  King  Marsile,  and  spake  to  Ganelon :      [bron, 

"  Take  now  my  sword.    A  better  no  man  at  all  hath  found, 
Only  the  hilt  of  the  great  sword  is  worth  a  thousand  pound. 
Out  of  pure  love  and  friendship  I  give  it  to  thee  here. 
By  thee  shall  we  find  Count  Roland  in  the  army  of  the  rear." 
Then  answered  the  Count  Ganelon :    "  Right  shall  be  done 

herein." 
Thereon  they  kissed  each  other  on  the  cheek  and  on  the  chin. 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  25 

L     And  Climborin  a  Paynim  came  forward  at  a  stride, 
And  clearly  rang  his  laughter  as  to  Ganelon  he  cried : 

"  Take  now  my  helm.    In  no  place  have  I  seen  a  better  helm. 

Through  thee  the  Marquis  Roland  in  dishonor  shall  we  wj]g]pi." 

Thereon  said  Ganelon  the  Count :    "  Herein  shall  right  be 

done." 
Forthwith  they  kissed  each  other  the  cheek  and  lip  upon. 


LI     Then  to   the   place   came   Bramimonde    (King  Marsile's 
She  said  unto  Count  Ganelon:  [queen  was  she) 

"  I  greatly  honor  thee. 

My  lord  esteems  thee  greatly,  and  all  his  men  beside. 
Behold,  fair  Sire,  these  bracelets  will  I  send  unto  thy  bride. 
With  amethyst  and  jacinth  and  gold  they  are  fashioned  well, 
And  moreTKan  all  tEeTrelTsure  are  they  worth  that  Rome  can 

tell. 
Jewels  of  such  rich  excellence  thine  Emperor  hath  none." 

The  gems  into  his  riding  boots  thrust  the  Count  Ganelon. 


LII     Said  the  King  unto  his  treasurer :  "  Dight  is  the  Emper- 
or's gift?" 

"  Yea,  Sire,"  the  man  gave  answer,  "  it  is  well  enough  to 

shift. 

Seven  hundred  camels  laden  with  silver  and  gold  are  by, 
And  likewise  twenty  hostages  the  gentlest  under  sky." 


LIII     On  the  shoulder  of  Count  Ganelon,  King  Marsile  laid 
He  said:  [his  hand. 

"  Thou  art  very  gallant  and  quick  to  understand. 


26  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

By  that  law  which  for  holiest  thou  holdest  in  thy  heart, 
Keep  thee  well  that  in  no  manner  thou  shalt  falter  from  our 
Good  store  of  my  possessions  will  I  give  o'er  to  thee.  [part. 

I  will  load  ten  mules  with  the  finest  of  the  gold  of  Araby. 
No  year  shall  pass  but  to  thee  a  like  present  I  will  make. 
And  the  keys  of  this  great  city  I  prithee  now  to  take. 
Give  thou  to  Charles  the  Emperor  these  gifts  of  mighty  cost. 
Then  bring  it  to  pass  that  Roland  in  the  rear  shall  have  his 
If  in  the  mountain  passes  upon  him  I  shall  light,  [post. 

The  battle  that  I  offer  shall  be  a  mortal  fight." 

And  Ganelon  gave  answer :    "  Too  long  do  I  delay." 
He  mounted  on  his  charger  and  galloped  on  his  way. 


LIV     Again  the  Emperor  Charlemagne   drew  nigh  unto   his 
To  the  town  of  Valtierra  in  that  hour  was  he  come.  [home. 

Roland  the  Count  that  city  had  overthrown  and  ta'en. 
After  that  day  an  hundred  years  a  waste  did  it  remain. 
For  tidings  of  Count  Ganelon  a  space  abode  the  King, 
And  the  great  Spanish  Empire  her  splendid  ransoming. 
And  at  the  crack  of  day-break,  when  the  clear  morning  glowed, 
Into  the  King's  encampment  Count  Ganelon  he  rode. 


LV     Betimes  upon  that  morning  the  King  himself  bestirred. 
And  Mass  and  Matin  Service  already  had  he  heard. 
He  sat  by  his  pavilion  upon  the  grass  so  green. 
Roland  and  the  brave  Olivier  beside  him  there  were  seen. 
Duke  Neimes  there  stood  by  them,  and  many  another  chief. 
And  thither  came  Count  Ganelon  the  traitor  and  the  thief. 
Forthwith  he  'gan  a-talking  in  his  wicked  treachery. 
"  God's  blessing  be  upon  thee,"  unto  the  King  said  he. 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  27 

"  The  keys  of  Saragossa  unto  thee  I  have  brought.  [fraught, 
Besides  them  I  am  charged  for  thee  with  a  treasure  richly 
And  a  score  of  hostages  as  well.  Do  thou  keep  them  close  in 
Marsile  the  brave  beseeches  concerning  thy  demand  [hand. 

In  the  matter  of  the  Algalif,  blame  not  the  Saracen. 
With  mine  own  eyes  did  I  behold  four  hundred  thousand  men 
That  all  wore  iron  helmets  and  all  were  hauberk-clad, 
And  girded  at  their  girdles  ^gold-pointed  swords  that  had. 
They  marched  beside  the  Algalif  to  the  margin  of  the  sea, 
Whither  they  fled  because  of  dread  of  our  Christianity, 
Which  they  had  no  desire  to  receive  or  to  maintain. 
Scarce  four  leagues  had  they  sailed,  when  burst  the  stormy 

hurricane. 

There  were  they  drowned,  and  never  more  that  army  shalt  thou 

see. 

If  the  Algalif  were  living  I  had  brought  him  here  with  me. 
Hear  thou  tidings  of  the  Paynim.     This  month  shall  not  have 

sped 

Ere  into  France  the  kingdom  in  thy  footsteps  he  will  tread. 
There  will  he  take  thy  faith  on  him  with  meetly  folded  hands. 
Thee  will  he  serve,  and  hold  in  fief  of  thee  the  Spanish  lands." 
"  Now  to  my  God  be  glory,"  said  the  King  Charlemagne. 
"  Well  hast  thou  wrought  the  service,  and  great  shall  be  thy 

gain." 

Amid  that  host  together  did  a  thousand  trumpets  bray. 
They  broke  their  camp.     The  sumpter-beasts  they  loaded  on 

that  day, 
And  home  to  the  sweet  realm  of  France  the  army  took  the  way. 

LVI     The  whole  of  Spain  King  Charlemagne  had  wasted  and 

had  wracked; 
The  castles  he  had  taken,  and  the  cities  he  had  sacked. " 


28  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

But  now  the  time  of  battle,  he  said  was  past  and  o'er, 

And  back  to  the  sweet  realm  of  France  he  wended  from  the  war. 

On  a  spear  the  army's  ensign  Count  Roland  carried  high: 

On  the  summit  of  a  little  hill  he  raised  it  to  the  sky. 

The  Franks  made  their  encampment  o'er  the  whole  countryside. 

But  along  through  the  wide  valley  the  Paynim  army  hied. 

In  hauberk  and  double  byrnie,  with  laced  helm  on  the  head, 

Sword  by  side,  shield  on  shoulder,  and  lance  in  hand  they  sped. 

On  the  summit  of  the  mountains  in  a  wood  abided  they. 

Four  hundred  thousand  waited  for  the  breaking  of  the  day. 

God !    What  a  woe !    The  Frenchmen  deem  little  of  that  iU. 


LVII     At  length  the  day  passed  over  and  the  night  was  calm 

and  still. 

Then  fell  asleep  the  Emperor,  the  powerful  and  great. 
He  dreamed  at  Sizre  that  he  was,  in  the  huge  mountain  gate, 
And  in  his  hands  he  carried  his  spear  with  the  ashen  heftv^ 
And  from  his  hand  Count  Ganelon  the  mighty  weapon  reft. 
With  such  a  savage  fury  he  shook  and  brandished  it 
That  the  splinters  flew  to  heaven.    Yet  the  King  waked  no  whit. 


LVIII     And  after  this  first  vision  another  dream  he  dreamed. 
In  France  in  his  own  chapel  in  the  town  of  Aix  he  seemed. 
And  a  bear  bit  his  right  shoulder,  that  was  furious  and  fell. 
And  he  saw  out  of  Arden  a  leopard  come  as  well, 
That  fierily  assailed  him.    Then  quickly  to  the  King      [spring. 
There  galloped  a  good  greyhound  with  many   a  bound  and 
The  right  ear  of  the  mighty  bear  first  with  its  teeth  it  caught. 
And  a  battle  with  the  leopard  the  gallant  greyhound  fought. 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  29 

And  the  Franks  spake  of  the  greatness  of  the  battle  in  the  hall, 
And  none  might  know  to  which  of  them  the  victory  would  fall. 
And  the  Emperor  slept  ever,  nor  wakened  then  at  all. 


LIX     At  length  the  night  passed   over.     White_J)rpke__the 

morning  sky. 

Proud  rode  the  King,  and  the  war-horns  through  the  army 

sounded  high. 

"  Lord  barons,"   said  King   Charlemagne,   "  the   mountain 

pass  ye  see. 
Say  which  chief  of  the  army  in  the  rear-guard  shall  be." 

"  Lo !  Roland  that  is  my  stepson,"  gave  answer  Ganelon, 
"  A  baron  of  such  following  in  the  whole  host  hast  thou  none." 

And  the  King  looked  upon  him  and  angry  was  his  brow, 
And  he  said  unto  Count  Ganelon  : 

"  A  devil  alive  art  thou. 

And  mortal  rage  and  anger  to  thy  heart  has  entered  in. 
With  the  vanguard  of  my  army  shall  march  what  paladin?" 
Said  Ganelon: 

"  Then  Ogier  of  Denmark  let  it  be. 
None  hast  thou  that  the  matter  may  speed  so  well  as  he." 


LX     And  thereupon  Count  Roland  when  the  judgment  he  did 
Spake  forth  to  them  his  counsel  like  a  good  cavalier :  [hear 

"  Lord  stepfather,  much  kindness  now  unto  thee  I  owe, 
That  the  ruling  of  the  rear-guard  hast  brought  upon  me  so. 
King  Charles  that  holds  the  realm  of  France  shall  never  lose 
After  my  understanding,  palfrey,  or  battle  steed.  [indeed, 

He  shall  lose  no  mule  nor  she-mule  whereon  a  man  may  ride, 
Nor  any  packhorse  either,  nor  sumpter  beast  beside, 


30  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

Wherefor  the  sword  in  battle  hath  not  made  a  purchase  fell." 
And  Ganelon  gave  answer :     "  Truth  say'st  thou  I  know 

well." 

LXI     When  with  the  rear-guard  he  should  go  that  the  Count 

Roland  heard, 
Then  unto  his  stepfather  he  spoke  a  bitter  word : 

"  Thou  traitor !  thou  most  wicked !  born  of  a  shameful  line ! 
Thou  thinkest  here  the  glove  will  fall  out  of  this  hand  of  mine, 
Even  as  the  staff  of  office  fell  erewhile  out  of  thine." 

LXII     Count  Roland  to  King  Charlemagne  his  voice  uplifted 

there. 

"  Give  me  the  bow  that  in  thy  hand  thou  evermore  dost  bear. 
That  no  man  shall  reproach  me  that  I  dropped  it,  I  deem  well, 
As,  when  Ganelon  took  the  truncheon,  with  thy  right  glove  it 

befell." 

The  Emperor  bent  down  hi&  brow  when  spoke  the  paladin ; 
Aye  plucked  he  with  his  fingers  at  the  beard  on  lip  and  chin ; 
And  the  tears  that  came  into  his  eyes,  he  could  not  keep  them 

in. 

LXIII     Neimes  stood  forth  thereafter.    And  there  was  not  to 
In  all  the  court  a  vassal  that  was  better  man  than  he.  [see 

He  said  unto  the  Emperor: 

"  Well  the  matter  hast  thou  heard. 
The  anger  of  Count  Roland  is  very  greatly  stirred. 
His  is  the  rear.    No  baron  in  his  place  may  well  command. 
The  bow  which  thou  hast  offered  give  now  into  his  hand. 
And  whoso'er  will  aid  him  now  seek  thou  high  and  low." 
And  the  King  gave  it  over,  and  Roland  took  the  bow. 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  31 

LXIV     The  Emperor  called  Roland.     "  Lord  Nephew,"  then 

said  he, 

"  Know  truly,  half  mine  army  will  I  leave  now  with  thee. 
Do  thou  keep  them  for  thy  safety."     Said  the  Count : 

"  Nay,  Sire,  the  thing 

I  will  not  do.  God  slay  me  if  my  line  to  shame  I  bring.  [here 
Twenty  thousand  gallant  Frenchmen  will  I  keep.  The  gateway 
Safe  shalt  thou  pass,  nor  while  I  live  for  any  shalt  thou  fear." 


LXV     Upon  his  steed  of  battle  the  good  .Count .Roland  got. 
And  Qliyier  his  comrade  came  to  him  at  the  spot, 
And^Qgrjn  was  come  thither,  and  Count  Gerier  the  strong ; 
And  thither  also  Berenger  and  Othon  came  along; 
And  there  did  Anseis  the  proud,  and  Samson  too  appear ; 
And  lypris  and .lyo,  whom  the  King  held  so  dear. 
Gerard  of  Roussillon  was  there ;  an  ancient  man  was  he ; 
And  Engelier,  moreover,  of  the  land  of  Gas  cony. 
Quoth  Turpin  the  Archbishop :    "  I  will  go  too,  by  my  head." 
"  And  I  with  thee,"  Count  Walter  to  the  Archbishop  said, 
"  For  I  am  Roland's  liegeman.     By  him  I  must  abide^'    [beside. 
Knights  were  there  twenty  thousand  that  thus  came  forth 


LXVI     To  Walter-a-Hume  Count  Roland  has  given  his  com- 
mand : 

"  Take  now  a  thousand  Franks  with  thee  that  are  come  of 

France  our  land. 

And  prithee^get  the  passes  and  the  little  hills  in  hand, 
Lest  by  ill  hap  the  Emperor  should  suffer  loss  thereby." 
"  It  is  my  bounden  duty,"  said  Walter  in  reply. 
Therewith  he  led  his  squadrons  to  seize  the  pass  on  high 


32  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

/ 

But  he  will  not  come  down  again  (for  ill  news  flies  about) 
Before  swords  seven  hundred  to  battle  are  drawn  out. 
King  Almaris  that  in  Belferne  the  kingdom  held  his  sway 
The  most  terrible  of  battles  will  fight  with  him  that  day. 


LXVII     High  were  the  peaks  about  them,  and  dark  the  vale 

and  black, 

Sombre  the  rocks  around  them,  and  terrible  the  track. 
All  day  the  French  were  marching  in  labor  and  in  pain. 
For  fifteen  leagues  the  bruit  a  man  might  hear  it  plain. 
When  they  had  come  to  the  Greater  Land  and  looked  on 

Gascony, 

The  country  of  their  sovereign,  then  returned  the  memory 
Of  fiefs  and  farms  and  children  and  their  gentle  wives  and  good. 
Was  no  man  but  for  pity  was  weeping  where  he  stood. 
But  greater  than  any  other's  was  the  grief  of  Charlemagne 
That  he  had  left  his  nephew  within  the  Gate  of  Spain. ' 
Pity  laid  hold  on  him.    He  wept,  for  all  he  was  not  fain. 


LXVIII     In  Spain  abode  the  twelve  good  peers,  with  twenty 

thousand  by 

Of  Franks  that  felt  no  fear  at  all  and  dreaded  not  to  die. 
King  Charlemagne  the  Emperor  hiedjonward  into  France ; 
But  underneath  his  mantle  he  hid  his  countenance. 
Neimes  rode  near :     "  What  thinkest  thou  ?"  he  said  unto  the 
Charles  said :  [King. 

"  He  doth  me  bitter  wrong  that  asketh  me  this  thing. 
I  have  so  sore  a  sorrow,  what  can  I  do  but  moan? 
By  Ganelon  the  land  of  France  is  wrecked  and  overthrown. 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

Yesternight  in  a  vision  an  angel  showed  me  clear 
How  in  my  hands  Count  Ganelon  had  splintered  all  my  spear. 
Even  he  that  wrought  this  matter  so  that  Roland  took  the  re 
And  I  have  left  him  lonely  in  a  strange  land  behind. 
God's  name,  if  I  should  lose  him  his  like  I  shall  not  find." 


LXIX     King  Charles  the  mighty  Emperor  wept,  for  all  he 

was  not 

For  him  a  hundred  thousand  Franks  suffered  great  grief  and 

pain. 

And  for  the  good  Count  Roland  great  fear  they  had  as  well. 
Count  Ganelon  the  traitor  had  wrought  that  treason  fell. 
From  the  sovereign  of  the  Saracens  resplendent  gifts  had  he, 
Gold  and  silver  and  noble  cloths,  and  silken  finery, 
And  of  lions,  steeds  and  camels  and  mules  great  company. 
King  Marsile  bade  his  barons  come  unto  him  amain, 
Counts,  viscounts,  dukes,  and  almacors  of  the  fair  land  of  Spain 
With  the  emirs  and  the  children  of  the  counts  throughout  the 

land. 

And  full  four  hundred  thousand  were  added  to  his  hand. 
The  drums  in  Saragossa  he  bade  beat  them  in  that  hour. 
They  carried  up  Mahomet  into  the  highest  tower. 
Thereby  was  found  no  Paynim  but  did  worship  and  adore. 
Then  out  with  a  great  tumult  the  army  rode  to  war. 
Through  Cerdagne,  and  through  the  valleys  and  the  mountains 

they  marched  on, 

Until  of  the  French  army  they  saw  the  gonfalon, 
Where  all  the  twelve  companions  with  the  French  rear-guard 
King  Marsile  will  not  tarry  till  he  have  joined  the  fray.        [lay. 


34  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

LXX     The  nephew  of  King  Marsile  before  them  all  did  stand. 
He  smote  the  mule  he  rode  on  with  the  cudgel  in  his  hand. 
In  merriment  his  uncle  right  fairly  he  bespake :  [thy  sake. 

"  Fair  Lord  and  King,  much  service  have  I  compassed  for 
Much  have  I  suffered  for  thee  in  labor  and  in  pain. 
I  have  fought  many  a  battle  and  won  the  field  amain. 
To  fight  this  fight  with  Roland,  now  give  me  guerdon  here ; 
And  I  myself  will  slay  him  with  the  sharp  point  of  tne  spear. 
If  that  Mahomet  unto  me  his  favor  fair  will  grant. 
I  will  free  all  Spain  from  the  Aspre  pass  even  to  Durestant., 
Charlemagne  shall  be  weary,  and  the  Franks  shall  be  sick  of  war 
Thou  shalt  never  have  a  battle  in  all  thy  lifetime  more."       [o'er. 
To  his  nephew  the  King  Marsile  forthwith  the  glove  gave 


LXXI     The  nephew  of  King  Marsile  in  his  hand  the  glove  did 
And  there  unto  his  uncle  a  fiery  word  he  spake :  [take. 

"  My  fair  Lord  King,  a  mighty  thing  hast  thou  given  unto 
Choose  now  eleven  barons  out  of  thy  chivalry.  [me. 

Against  the  twelve  companions  to  battle  will  I  ride." 

And  first  of  all  one  Falsaron  gave  answer  and  replied 
(He  was  King  Marsile's  brother)  :     "  Nephew,  let  us  away, 
For  thou  and  I  together  shall  surely  fight  this  fray. 
The  rear-guard  of  the  gallant  host  that  Charles  to  battle  led, 
Surely  the  thing  is  written  that  we  shall  strike  them  dead." 


LXXII     King  Corsablis,  moreover,  rose  up  upon  his  part 
From  the  land  of  Barbary  was  he,  a  man  of  wicked  art. 
He  spake  like  a  good  vassal  in  the  law  of  chivalry, 
And  not  for  all  the  gold  of  God  a  coward  would  he  be. 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  35 

And  Malprimis  of  Brigal,  behold,  came  running  there. 
On  his  feet  was  he  faster  than  any  steed  to  fare. 
With  a  loud  voice  to  Marsile  his  purpose  he  did  show : 

"  I  will  adventure  my  body  in  the  pass  of  Roncevaux. 
And  if  I  come  on  Roland,  he  shall  get  his  overthrow." 


LXXIII     An  admiral,  moreover,  of  Balaguer  was  there. 
Most  splendid  was  his  body,  and  his  face  was  proud  and  fair. 
Gallant  he  was  to  ride  in  arms  and  to  gallop  on  his  steed. 
And  for  great  feats  of  battle  men  gave  him  aye  his  jneedL_ 
Had  he  been  Christian,  noble  had  he  been  in  very  deed. 
And  he  cried  before  King  Marsile : 

"  I  will  ride  in  Roncevaux. 

If  I  may  come  on  Roland,  I  will  bring  his  head  full  low. 
To  the  twelve  peers  and  Olivier  I  will  even  do  the  same. 
All  of  the  French  shall  perish  in  sorrow  and  in  shame. 
Old  and  weak  in  understanding  is  the  Emperor  Charlemagne. 
He  will  dread  sore  the  battle  to  undertake  again. 
In  liberty  shall  Spain  abide  to  us  forevermore."  [therefor. 

And  the  King  Marsile  forthwith  thanked  him  right  well 


LXXIV     An  almagor  of  Moriane  before  the  King  did  stand. 
There  was  no  greater  scoundrel  in  all  the  Spanish  land. 
And  he  made  his  boast. 

"  To  Roncevaux  with  my  men  will  I  advance. 
There  be  full  twenty  thousand  with  buckler  and  with  lance. 
I  swear,  an  I  come  on  Roland,  by  my  hand  he  shall  be  slain. 
No  day  shall  pass  but  the  sorrow  shall  weigh  on  Charlemagne." 


36  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

LXXV     Turgis  of  Tprtelosa  rose  also  at  that  tide. 
He  was  a  count,  and  the  city  was  his  heritage  beside. 
He  hated  well  the  Christians.    To  the  others  by  the  King 
He  strode  and  said  to  Marsile : 

"  Fear  thou  not  anything. 

For  greater  than  Saint  Peter,  the  Roman,  is  Mahound. 
If  thou  serve  him,  to  our  honor  the  victory  shall  redound. 
I  will  ride  forth  with  Roland  in  Roncevaux  to  fight. 

There  is  no  man  shall  save  him  from  death  and  from  despite. 

Seest  thou  my  long  and  splendid  blade.     'Gainst  the  edge  of 

Durendal 

Will  I  set  it.     Swiftly  shalt  thou  hear  how  victory  shall  fall. 
The  French  are  dead,  an  we  find  them.     Sorrow  and  ill  renown 
Shall  come  to  Charles  the  ancient  that  no  more  shall  wear  the 


LXXVI     Escremis  of  Valtierra  before  them  all  did  stand. 

He  was  a  Saracen  indeed ;  and  his  was  all  that  land. 

And  unto  the  King  Marsile  right  through  the  press  he  cried : 

"  I  too  will  go  to  Roncevaux  to  overthrow  their  pride. 
If  I  come  on  the  Count  Roland,  there  shall  he  lose  his  head, 
And  likewise  the  Lord  Olivier  who  ruleth  in  his  stead. 
The  twelve  are  doomed  to  perish.    The  French  shall  all  be  slain. 
France  shall  lie  waste.     Good  vassals  shall  be  lost  to  Charle- 
magne." 

LXXVII     And  Estorgant  a  Paynim  before  them  did  appear, 
And  Estramaris,  moreover,  his  boon  companion  dear. 
There  were  no  falser  traitors  nor  felons  in  the  land. 
To  them  cried  out  King  Marsile : 

"  Now  forth  before  us  stand. 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  37 

Unto  the  Gates  of  Roncevaux,  ye  two  shall  get  you  gone. 
There  shall  ye  aid  my  marshals  to  lead  mine  army  on." 
And  they  answered : 

"  O,  King  Marsile  we  wait  on  thy  command. 
Against  Olivier  and  Roland  we  twain  will  lift  the  hand. 
The  peers  will  have  no  warrant  that  death  they  may  withstand. 
Behold  our  blades  of  battle  that  are  so  keen  and  good. 
Vermilion  will  we  make  them  with  the  hot  bursts  of  blood. 
The  French  shall  perish.    Charlemagne  in  sorrow  shall  be  bent. 
The  Greater  Land  for  a  good  gift  to  thee  we  shall  present. 
Come  there,  O  King,  if  that  the  thing  thou  verily  wouldst  see. 
The  Emperor  we  will  give  o'er  for  a  suppliant  to  thee." 

LXXVIII     Then   Margaris    of    Seville    came    running   there 
His  land  unto  the  sea-coast  extended  far  and  wide.  [beside. 

And  all  the  ladies  loved  him  for  his  fair  countenance. 
None  ever  lived  that  saw  him  but  brightened  at  the  glance, 
And,  would  she  not  or  would  she,  from  smiling  could  forbear. 
So  chivalrous  a  gallant  was  no  other  Paynim  there. 
He  came  amid  the  others  and  shouted  through  the  press, 
And  he  said  unto  King  Marsile  : 

"  Have  no  manner  of  distress. 

I  will  go  unto  Roncevaux.    Count  Roland  will  I  slay. 
Neither  shall  the  Lord  Olivier  carry  his  life  away. 
And  the  twelve  peers,  moreover,  hard  death  shall  have  and  hold. 
Look  now  unto  my  weapon  with  the  great  hilt  of  gold. 
The  Admiral  of  Prime  that  sword  gave  for  a  gift  to  me, 
And  drenched  in  the  vermilion  blood  I  promise  it  shall  be. 
And  all  the  French  shall  perish,  and  France  be  shamed  in  that 

hour. 

And  Charlemagne  the  ancient,  with  the  great  beard  like  a 

flower, 


38  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

Shall  never  have  a  day-  go  by,  but  woe  and  wrath  shall  betide 
Let  but  a  year  pass  over  we  shall  have  all  France  beside. 
In  the  city  of  Saint  Denis  at  our  ease  we  then  may  lie." 

The  master  of  the  Paynims  bowed  his  head  low  in  reply. 

LXXIX     Cornubel  of  the  Black  Valley  stood  forth  from  those 

around, 

And  his  long  hair  about  him  swept  down  unto  the  ground. 
He  bore  a  greater  burden  for  a  jest,  when  he  would  play 
Than  seven  mules  could  carry.     In  the  country,  so  they  say, 
That  he  came  from  is  no  sunshine,  nor  groweth  any  grain, 
Nor  is  there  any  dew  at  all  nor  any  falling  rain. 
And  the  stones  in  that  country  they  are  all  black  as  well. 
And  men  say  this,  moreover,  that  there  the  devils  dwell. 

"  My  good  sword  have  I  girded,"  then  Cornubel  he  said, 
"  When  I  brandish  it  at  Roncevaux  I  wot  it  shall  be  red. 
If  I  come  on  that  proud  Roland  in  the  middle  of  my  way, 
If  I  attack  not,  let  no  man  believe  me  from  that  day.  [own. 

There  Durendal  will  I  conquer  with  this  good  sword  of  mine 
There  all  the  French  shall  perish  and  France  be  overthrown !" 
At  that  word  the  twelve  companions  on  their  way  rode 

along. 

Of  Saracens  they  led  with  them  an  hundred  thousand  strong, 
That  were  eager  for  the  battle  and  hasted  on  the  way. 
And  underneath  a  pine-wood  they  armed  them  for  the  fray. 

LXXX     In  the  strong  hauberks  Saracen,  themselves  the  Pay- 
nims clad. 

The  greater  number  armor  of  triple  thickness  had. 
Good  helms  of  Saragossa  they  laced  upon  them  then, 
And  they  girded  swords  upon  them  of  the  sharp  steel  of  Vienne. 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  39 

They  held  Valentian  lances,  and  shield  on  shoulder  wore. 
White  and  blue  and  vermilion  were  the  gonfalons  they  bore. 
Behind  they  left  the  palfreys  and  the  sumpter  mules  to  stray. 
They  mounted  on  the  chargers  and  rode  in  close  array. 
The  sun  broke  on  them  splendid,  and  fair  the  morning  came ; 
There  was  no  bit  of  armor  but  was  blazing  in  a  flame ; 
And  to  make  it  yet  more  glorious  a  thousand  horns  blew  clear. 
So  mighty  was  the  uproar  that  the  French  at  last  did  hear. 

Said  Olivier : 

"  My  comrades,  and  my  good  lords  I  trow \ 

With  the  Saracens  a  battle  we  are  like  to  have  one  now." 

Count  Roland  spake  in  answer: 

"  Now  may  God  grant  the  thing. 

Well  now  should  every  man  of  us  bestir  him  for  our  King. 
That  for  his  overlord  a  man  should  suffer  much  is  meet. 
He  should  risk  for  him  both  life  and  limb  and  bear  both  cold 

and  heat. 

Let  every  man  look  to  it  that  he  strike  good  strokes  and  strong ; 
Never  of  any  man  of  us  shall  they  sing  an  evil  song. 
For  wrong  is  with  the  Paynims,  but  with  the  Christians  right. 
Never  an  ill  example  will  I  set  you  in  the  fight." 

~  A  i 

LXXXI     Over  the  mountain  ridges  Olivier  climbed  on  high. 
And  down  a  grassy  valley  on  the  right  he  cast  his  eye, 
And  saw  the  Paynim  army  how  hard  on  them  it  hied.^ 
Then  to  his  comrade  Roland  with    a  loud  voice  he  cried : 

"  There  cometh  a  great  press  of  men  out  of  the  land  of 

Spain — 

A  host  of  the  white  hauberks.    The  helmets  flash  again. 
They  shall  stir  up  in  our  Frenchmen  a  great  wrath  fierce  and 
Count  Ganelon  the  traitor  hath  wrought  his  treason  well, 


40  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

He  who  before  the  Emperor  this  judgment  did  decide." 

"  Peace,  Olivier,"  unto  him  Roland  the  Count  replied. 
"  'Tis  my  stepfather.    I  like  not  that  thou  speak  of  him  so." 

LXXXII     Over  the  peak  Lord  Olivier  now  hasted  him  to  go. 
Out  and  across  the  realm  of  Spain  an  eager  look  he  threw, 
And  he  beheld  the  Paynim  host  that  there  together  drew. 
And  from  their  gold-wrought  helmets  a  blazing  light  did  dance 
On  shield  and  broidered  hauberk,  on  pennant  and  on  lance. 
Not  even  might  he  number  the  battalions  of  the  foe. 
There  were  so  many  of  them  their  strength  he  could  not  know. 
Within  him  was  he  troubled.     He  hastened  as  he  might      [sight. 
From  the  hill  and  told  the  Frenchmen  all  the  terror  of  that 

LXXXIII     "  I  have  looked  upon  the  Paynims,"  Lord  Olivier 

said  he ; 

"  There  is  no  man  upon  the  earth  that  a  greater  host  shall  see. 
Under  shield  an  hundred  thousand  in  the  van  alone  do  fare,....... 

That  are  clad  in  milk-white  hauberks,  and  well-laced  helms  that 

wear. 

Straight  are  the  spear-shafts,  glittering  are  the  brown  spears 

of  war. 

Ye  are  like  to  have  such  a  battle  as  was  never  fought  before. 
Lord  Franks  of  God  take  courage  that  we  be  not  beaten  this 
Said  the  Franks :  [day." 

"  God's  shame  upon  him  that  runneth  hence  away. 
For  fear  of  death  not  one  of  us  shall  fail  thee  or  betray." 

LXXXIV     Said  Olivier: 

"  The  Paynims  a  mighty  army  lead. 
But  our  good  Franks  meseemeth  are  few  in  very  deed. 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  41 

Oh  my  good  comrade  Roland,  blow  on  thy  horn  amain. 
And  Charlemagne  shall  hear  it  and  come  with  the  host  again." 
And  Roland  gave  his  answer : 

"  I  should  be  as  a  fool  forlorn ; 

In  France  should  I  lose  mine  honor,  if  I  blew  upon  my  horn 
For  the  Paynims;  but  with  Durendal  the  great  strokes  will  I 

deal. 

Up  to  the  golden  sword-hilt  the  blood  shall  stain  the  steel. 
To  the  rock-defiles,  fell  Paynims,  ye  come  in  evil  hour. 
Now  unto  death,  I  swear  it,  is  given  all  your  power." 


LXXXV  "  Oh  my  Companion  Roland,  blow  on  thy  horn 

amain,,. 

King  Charles  the  Great  will  hear  it  and  come  with  the  host 

again. 

And  the  King  shall  bear  us   succor,   and  with  him  many   a 

And  Roland  answered :  [knight." 

"  Never  were  it  pleasing  in  God's  sight 

That  ever  men  my  parents  because  of  me  should  blame, 

Or  ever  the  sweet  realm  of  France  should  come  on  bitter  shame. 

I  will  do  enow  with  Durendal  the  sword  at  my  side  so  good. 

Ye  shall  see  the  brand  within  my  hand  made  ruddy  with  the 

blood. 

Fell  Paynims  in  an  evil  hour  are  ye  gathered.     On  my  faith 

The  whole  of  your  great  battle  shall  be  given  unto  death." 


LXXXVI     "  Oh  my  good  comrade  Roland,  but  blow  thy  horn 

the  while^ 
King  Charlemagne  shall  hear  it  on  his  march  in  the  defile." 


42  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

"  It  were  not  pleasing  unto  God,"  did  Roland  answer  give, 
"  That  such  a  thing  should  e'er  be  said  of  any  that  doth  live. 
That  because  of  any  Paynim  the  war-horn  I  have  blown. 
Never  upon  my  parents  shall  such  a  smirch  be  thrown. 
And  when  at  last  I  gallop  in  the  gigantic  fight, 
A  thousand  and  seven  hundred  of  the  great  strokes  will  I  smite. 
Of  Durendal  hereafter  shall  ye  see  the  bloody  steel. 
The  Franks,  an  it  be  God's  pleasure,  shall  fight  like  vassals  leal. 
The  Paynims  bring  no  warrant  against  the  slaughter  here." 


LXXXVII     "  Herein  is  found  no  shame  at  all,"  gave  answer 

Olivier, 

"  Nay  but  the  Saracens  of  Spain.     I  have  seen  their  battle 

clear, 

And  the  valley  and  the  mountain  and  the  moorland  and  the 

plain 

With  the  great  host  of  the  stranger  are  covered  up  amain. 
And  all  of  us  together  but  a  little  host  are  we." 
And  Roland  made  him  answer: 

"  The  fiercer  will  I  be. 
God  and  the  Holy  Angels  would  deem  it  an  ill  day, 

France  should  lose  her  honor  when  Roland  feared  the  fray. 
\  Better  it  were  to  perish  than  that  shame  on  us  should  light. 
I  King  Charles  will  hold  us  dearer  the  stronglier  that  we  smite." 


LXXXVIII     Proud  is  the  Marquis  Roland  and  Olivier  is  wise. 
The  twain  of  them,  moreover,  are  men  of  gallant  guise.  [on, 

When  they  are  mounted  on  the  steed  and  have  got  their  harness 
Then  never  though  they  perish  the  battle  will  they  shun. 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  43 

Both  of  the  Counts  are  gallant,  and  their  words  high  and  free. 
In  mighty  anger  marches  the  host  of  heathenry. 

"  Roland,  look  for  a  little,"  Lord  Olivier  did  say. 
"  Behold  they  are  hard  upon  us  and  Charles  is  far  away. 
A  blast  upon  the  war-horn  thou  wouldst  not  deign  to  blow. 
Were  the  King  here  among  us  we  were  not  perilled  so. 
Look  up  unto  the  mountain  where  the  Aspre  gates  appear ; 
There  mayst  thou  see  the  sorrow  of  the  army  of  the  rear. 
He  who  so  wrought  the  matter  in  no  other  fray  shall  ride." 
And  unto  the  Lord  Olivier  Roland  the  Count  replied : 

"  So  great  a  shame  and  folly  I  prithee  speak  not  thou, 
But  let  him  be  accursed  who  turneth  coward  now. 
Within  this  place  together  we  shall  stand  against  the  foes. 
Here  shall  we  deal  together  the  buffets  and  the  blows." 


LXXXIX     When  well  had  Roland  seen  it  that  a  battle  soon 

would  be, 

Then  lordlier  than  a  leopard  or  a  lion  stark  was  he. 
He  shouted  to  the  Frenchmen  and  to  Olivier  he  cried: 

"  My  lord  and  my  companions !  now  say  no  more  beside. 
The  Emperor  who  his  Frenchmen  hath  given  to  our  hand, 
Hath  left  us  twenty  thousand  that  here  with  us  shall  stand. 
That  not  a  man  among  them  is  a  coward  he  is  sure. 
And  for  his  lord  great  evil  a  good  man  must  endure, 
And  bear  great  heat,  moreover,  and  likewise  bitter  cold. 
And  flesh  and  blood  of  his  bod  v,  to  lose^he  must  be  bold. 
Smite  with  the  lance.     With  Durendal  the  battle  will  I  try, 
The  good  blade  the  King  gave  me.    And  if  I  haj)_to  die, 


He  that  shall  have  it  hereafter,  shall  say  about  the  sword 
That  it  was  a  good  vassal's  who  was  faithful  to  his  lord." 


44  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

XC     There  was  Archbishop  Turpin  upon  the  other  hand 
He  spurred  his  charger  onwards.    On  a  hill  he  took  his  stand 
And  unto  all  the  Frenchmen  he  spoke  a  message  clear. 

"  Lord  barons,  Charles  the  Emperor  hath  left  us  in  the  rear. 
And  for  our  King  and  Master  behoveth  us  to  die. 
Quit  you  like  men  for  Christendom,  that  it  may  stand  thereby. 
Ye  may  be  sure  and  certain  that  your  battle  soon  will  be, 
For  with  your  eyes  each  man  of  you  the  Saracens  may  see. 
Do  ye  forthwith  confess  your  sins ;  for  God  his  mercy  pray. 
To  save  your  souls  His  healing  upon  you  I  will  lay. 
Ye  will  be  holyjmartyrs,  if  in  the  fight  ye  fall. 
In  the  fair  landTof  Paradise  ye  shall  sit  one  and  all." 

And  forthwith  did  the  Frenchmen  upon  the  ground  alight, 
And  kneeled,  and  the  Archbishop  he  blessed  them  by  God's 

might, 
And  bade  them  for  their  penance  upon  the  foe  to  smite. 


XCI     Up  rose  thereon  the  Frenchmen.     Upon  their  feet  they 

got 

Absolved  they  were  and  pardoned  of  their  sins  upon  the  spot. 
And  the  Archbishop  Turpin  hath  blessed  them  by  God's  power. 
Upon  the  battle-chargers  they  mounted  in  that  hour. 
They  armed  them  like  good  champions.     They  donned  their 
And  thereupon  Count  Roland  to  Olivier  did  say :         [war-array 

"  Oh,  my  good  lord  and  comrade,  Surely  thou  saidest  well, 
And  I  believe,  we  are  betrayed  by  Ganelon  the  fell. 
And  gold  and  rich  possession  hath  the  man  purchased  thus. 
The  Emperor  great  vengeance  must  surely  take  for  us. 
To  march  on  us,  to  Marsile  hath  Ganelon  sent  word. 
They  shall  barter  now  that  treason  for  the  edges  of  the  sword." 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  45 

XCII     Through  the  Gates  of  Spain  went  Roland  on  Valiant 

the  great  steed, 

With  all  his  armor  on  him  that  became  him  well  indeed. 
He  bore  the  good  spear  in  his  hand  with  the  point  unto  the 

height. 

Upon  the  summit  of  the  spear  was  laced  a  pennant  white. 
About  his  hands  went  flashing  the  fringes  of  the  gold. 
His  face  was  fair  with  laughter  and  within  his  heart  was  bold. 
And  hard  upon  his  footsteps  came  his  good  company, 
And  the  men  of  France  proclaimed  him  their  champion  to  be. 
He  cast  upon  the  Saracen  a  fierce  glance  and  a  proud, 
But  a  fair  and  gentle  on  the  French,  and  he  spake  sweet  words 

aloud : 

"  Ride  slowly,  my  lord  barons.     To  their  slaughter  do  they 
We  shall  carry  from  the  Paynim  a  mighty  booty  home.      [come. 
No  king  of  France  before  us  such  treasure  e'er  has  ta'en." 
Scarce  had  his  words  been  spoken,  when  the  armies  met  amain. 

XCIII     Said  Olivier  to  Roland : 

"  I  will  even  speak  my  fill. 

The  mighty  horn  of  battle  to  blow  thou  hadst  no  will. 
Now  unto  us  King  Charlemagne  no  succour  can  afford ; 
He  knows  not  of  our  peril  and  no  blame  is  to  our  lord. 
And  the  soldiers  of  the  army  we  may  blame  them  in  no  way. 
But  ride  ye  like  good  cavaliers,  as  fiercely  as  ye  may. 
To  keep  the  field,  lord  barons,  now  firm  your  spirits  make ; 
By  God  I  pray  you  steel  yourselves  the  blows  to  give  and  take. 
The  shout  of  war  of  Charlemagne  we  will  remember  aye." 

And  as  he  finished  speaking  the  French  raised  up  the  cry. 
Well  might  he  think  on  loyalty  Mount  joy  that  tide  that  heard. 
Then  they  galloped  in  great  glory.     At  utmost  speed  they 

spurred. 


46  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

They  will  smite,  (what  can  they  other?)     But  the  foe  feared 

not  the  war. 
And  full  against  each  other  the  Franks  and  Paynims  bore. 

XCIV     Forth  rode  King  Marsile's  nephew,  (Adelroth  was  his 
And  first  of  all  the  army  before  the  host  he  came.  [name) 

Concerning  our  good  Frenchmen  he  spake  evil  on  his  way : 
"  What  ho,  ye  Frankish  villains,  ye  shall  joust  with  us  this 

day. 

And  he  who  should  have  saved  you  has  betrayed  you  to  your 

fate. 

A  fool  is  the  King  Charlemagne  that  left  you  at  the  gate. 
Away  from  the  sweet  realm  of  France  her  glory  shall  be  ta'en. 
And,  moreover,  from  his  body  the  right  arm  of  Charlemagne." 
But  God!  when  Roland  heard  it,  he  was  filled  with  wrath 

untold. 

He  pricked  the  battle  charger  with  the  great  spurs  of  gold. 
The  Count  rode  in  to  strike  him  as  fiercely  as  he  might, 
He  brake  the  shield;  through  the  hauberk  a  great  stroke  did 

he  smite. 

Right  through  the  Paynim's  body  the  weapon  good  he  drave. 
The  bones  he  brake  in  pieces,  the  chest  he  cut  and  clave. 
And  the  strong  spine  he  severed  in  the  back  of  the  cavalier; 
The  spirit  from  the  body  he  harried  with  the  spear. 
So  well  he  smote  that  Paynim  that  he  staggered  there  indeed ; 
With  the  swift  lance  did  Roland  beat  the  dead  man  from  the 

steed. 

And  with  that  stroke  he  shattered  all  the  knight's  neck  in 

twain ; 
Yet  none  the  less  Count  Roland  spake  forth  unto  the  slain : 

"  Get  hence,  thou  slave !  no  villain  is  Charlemagne  the  King. 
As  for  the  sin  of  treason  he  loveth  not  the  thing. 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  47 

When  he  left  us  in  the  passes  he  did  as  a  brave  man  may. 
And  not  a  whit  of  glory  sweet  France  shall  lose  to-day. 
Strike  now,  my  Franks !    Unto  us  the  first  stroke  doth  belong. 
We   have  the   right   of   the   battle.      These   villains   have   the 

wrong." 


XCV     A  duke  was  there  hight_JFalsaron.     Marsile's  brother 
Of  Dathan  and  Abiram  he  held  the  land  in  fee.  [was  he. 

Than  he  a  feller  villain  was  not  beneath  the  skies. 
Exceeding  broad  and  mighty  was  his  brow  between  the  eyes — 
A  full  half  foot  by  measure  a  man  might  see  it  spread — 
He  had  his  fill  of  sorrow  when  he  saw  his  nephew  dead. 
Through  the  press  with  the  Paynim  war-cry  Duke  Falsaron 

made  way 

And  shouted  in  his  fury :    "  France  shall  be  shamed  this  day." 
Olivier  heard.    Within  him  did  mighty  anger  stir. 
He  pricked  the  battle  charger  with  the  good  golden  spur. 
Therewith  the  shield  he  shattered,  and  the  hauberk  all  to-broke. 
Through  the  side  the  pennant-fringes  were  driven  at  the  stroke. 
With  the  swift  lance  from  the  argon,  he  smote  the  Paynim  dead, 
And  looked  on  the  villain  where  he  lay,  and  a  proud  word  he 

said  : 

"  Knave !  never  for  your  menace  shall  I  have  care  again. 
Strike  Franks  into  the  mellay^  and  the  battle  we  will  gain !" 
And   he   gave   "  Mount  joy  "   the   war-cry,   the   shout   of 

Charlemagne. 


XCVI     There  was  a  king,  one  Corsablis,  that  thither  came  to 

hand. 
And  he  was  come  from  Barbary  and  dwelt  in  the  strange  land. 


48  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

He  called  to  the  other  Paynims : 

"  Well  may  we  win  the  day. 

The  army  of  the  Frenchmen  but  a  little  host  are  they 
And  those  that  stand  before  us  we  should  hold  in  little  dread. 
Not  one  unto  King  Charlemagne  shall  carry  hence  his  head. 
Now  is  their  time  upon  them,  the  hour  that  they  shall  die." 

But  Turpin  the  Archbishop,  full  well  he  heard  the  cry. 
Was  no  man  under  heaven  that  he  did  hate  so  sore.  [bore 

He  pricked  the  steed%ith  the  fair  gold  spurs,  and  gallantly  he 
Against  the  foe  to  smite  him.    The  buckler  there  he  clove,_ 
And  shivered  the  hauberk.     Through  the  shield  the  splendid 

lance  he  drove. 

He  struck  him  that  he  staggered.     He  smote  him  dead  in  the 

way 

With  the  lance,  and  then  looked  downward  to  where  the  villain 

lay. 
Nor  did  he  cease  from  bitter  speech,  but  then  aloud  he  cried : 

"  Get  hence,  thou  slavish  traitor !    Full  loudly  hast  thou  lied. 
My  lord  King  Charles  will  aid  us.    Our  Franks  have  no  desire 
To  flee,  but  thy  companions,  we  will  teach  them  till  they  tire. 
Another  death  hereafter  must  thou  suffer  yet  again. 
Strike  in,  strike  in,  ye  Frenchmen !  forget  not  ye  are  men. 
The  first  stroke  cometh  on  our  side ;  to  God  the  praises  be." 
Thereon  "  Mount  joy!"  he  shouted  for  desire  of  victory. 


XCVII     And  on  Malprimis  of  Brigal  the  good  lord  Gerin 

smote. 

The  great  shield  that  he  carried  availed  him  not  a  groat. 
And  the  fair  crystal  buckle  in  pieces  small  he  brast. 
The  half  of  the  fair  buckle  down  on  the  ground  was  cast. 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  49 

The  hauberk  he  tore  asunder,  even  unto  the  skin. 
Deep,  deep  into  the  body  he  thrust  the  good  lance  in. 
At  the  one  stroke  the  heathen  upon  the  ground  did  roll. 
And  in  that  hour  Satan  hath  carried  off  his  soul.     . 

XCVIII     And  Gerier  his  good  comrade  the  Admiral  o'erthrew. 
He  broke  the  shield.    The  hauberk,  he  rended  it  in  two, 
And  his  good  lance,  moreover,  right  through  the  heart  he  ran. 
He  smote  so  well  he  drove  it  through  the  body  of  the  man. 
Dead  to  the  ground  with  the  swift  lance  the  enemy  he  bore. 

Thereon  said  the  Lord  Olivier :     "  Most  gallant  is   our 


XCIX     Duke  Samson  'gainst  the  Alma9or  rode  out  to  strike 

a  stroke. 

The  golden-flowered  buckler  in  pieces  there  he  broke. 
His  hauberk  then  that  Saracen  stood  him  in  stead  not  well. 
Through  heart  and  lungs  and  liver  the  sword  of  Samson  fell. 
And,  would  ye  not  or  would  ye,  he  smote  the  fellow  dead. 
"  Yon  is  a  baron's  sword-stroke,"  Archbishop  Turpin  said. 

C     And  Ansei's  thereafter  let  his  war-charger  go. 
Turgis  of  Tortelosa  he  rode  to  overthrow. 

And  the  great  shield  he  shattered  'neath  the  buckle  of  the  gold. 
Of  the  hauberk  fair,  moreover,  he  burst  the  double  fold,  [spear 
He  struck  him  through  the  body  with  the  sharp  head  of  the 
So  well  that  on  the  other  side  all  of  the  steel  was  clear.  [down. 
With  the  swift  lance  dead  on  the  field  he  hurled  the  heathen 
Said  Roland :  "  That  was  the  spear-stroke  of  a  hero  of 


50  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

CI     And  Engelier  of  Bordeaux,  the  Gascon,  came  amain. 
He  spurred  the  charger  onwards,  he  loosed  the  bridle-rein. 
Escremis  of  Valtierra  he  galloped  in  to  slay. 
He  clove 'the  shield  of  the  Paynim  that  the  cantels  fell  away. 
Out  of  the  heathen  hauberk  the  steel  rings  did  he  wrest. 
Between  the  man's  two  shoulders  he  stabbed  him  through  the 

breast. 
And  dead  out  of  the  saddle  he  hurled  him  with  the  spear. 

Thereon  aloud  he  shouted :    "  Ye  all  shall  perish  here !" 


CII     And  Othon  smote  a  Paynim,  and  Estorgant  he  hight. 
Upon  the  forepart  of  the  shield  on  the  leather  did  he  smite, 
That  he  cut  away  the  colors,  the  vermilion  and  the  white. 
The  steel  plates  of  the  hauberk  he  rended  them  and  tore. 
Right  through  the  Paynim's  body  the  cutting  spear  he  bore. 
Down  from  the  running  charger  he  struck  the  villain  dead. 

And  he  spake :     "  There  was  no  warrant  'gainst  death  to 

stand  thy  stead." 


CIII     And  Berenger,  moreover,  Estramaris  smote  he; 

He  broke  his  shield,  he  shattered  the  hauberk  utterly. 

So  through  the  heart  of  the  Paynim  the  mighty  spear  he  sped 

That  amid  a  thousand  Saracens  he  struck  the  fellow  dead. 

Of  the  twelve  peers  of  the  Paynims  now  ten  good  men  are  slain. 

Alive  of  all  that  fellowship  but  two  of  them  remain. 

And  Cornubel  and  Margaris  the  Marquis  are  the  twain. 


CIV     And  Margaris  the  Marquis  was  a  very  stalwart  knight. 
Stalwart  he  was  and  beautiful  and  swift  of  foot  and  light. 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  51 

Spurring  'gainst  Olivier,  his  way  to  smite  him  did  he  hold. 
He  shattered  all  the  target  'neath  the  buckle  of  pure  gold. 
Along  the  flank  of  the  good  Frank  he  thrust  the  battle-spear. 
But  by  God's  aid  he  hurt  not  the  side  of  Olivier. 
For  the  great  lance  but  grazed  him,  nor  dealt  him  any  wound, 
And  Margaris  unhindered  went  beyond  him  with  a  bound. 
And  to  summon  up  his  henchmen  upon  his  horn  did  sound. 


CV     Marvellous  is  the  battle  and  all  men  fight  the  fray. 
And  from  it  the  Count  Roland  no  whit  he  kept  away,      [remain. 
With  the  lance  he  fought  while  in  his  hand  the  spear-shaft  did 
But  fifteen  strokes  have  wrenched  it  and  broken  it  in  twain. 
Then  forth  he  drew  great  Durendal,  the  naked  goodly  glaive.  . 
He  spurred  the  steed;  to  slay  him  at  Cornubel  he  draveT""" 
He  shattered  all  the  helmet  where  the  carbuncles  shone  fair. 
He  clave  through  the  white  linen  cap  and  through  the  mighty 

hair, 
And  through  his  eyes  and  visage,  and  through  the  hauberk 

white 

With  little  links,  to  the  forking  of  the  body  did  he  smite. 
And  right  through  the  rich  saddle  of  beaten  gold  wrought  well, 
And  the  great  steed  thereunder,  the  blade  of  Roland  fell. 
It  broke  the  back  of  the  charger.     Where  was  no  joint  did  it 

pass. 

There  Roland  struck  dead  Cornubel  on  the  thick  growing  grass. 
After  he  said: 

"  Thou  coward,  an  ill-come  man  wast  thou. 
No  succor  by  Mahomet  shall  be  granted  to  thee  now. 
And  such  a  very  villain  shall  win  no  war  to-day." 


52  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

CVI     Count  Roland  on  the  charger  through  the  battle  made 

his  way, 

And  Durendal  that  cut  and  thrust  so  well  in  hand  he  bore. 
In  that  hour  of  those  Saracens  he  made  a  slaughter  sore. 
Ah !  but  to  see  him  hurling  the  slain  upon  the  slain, 
And  the  clear  blood  a-flowing  that  spouted  on  the  plain ! 
And  bloody  was  his  hauberk,  and  his  arms  were  steeped  in  blood. 
Red  were  the  neck  and  shoulders  of  the  charger  great  and  good. 
Upon  the  Paynims  Olivier  no  whit  was  slow  to  fall. 
The  twelve  peers  in  that  battle  deserved  no  blame  at  all. 
And  all  the  French,  moreover,  came  charging  on  to  slay. 
There  many  Paynims  perished,  or  in  terror  swooned  away. 
Said  Turpin  then :    "  Our  chivalry  like  men  the  fight  maintain." 
He  cried  the  great  cry  of  Mount  joy  the  cry  of  Charle- 
magne. 

CVII     Up  and  thorough  the  battle  went  riding  Olivier. 
Split  was  his  lance.    He  carried  but  a  truncheon  of  the  spear. 
He  rode  against  a  Paynim,  and  Malsaron  he  hight. 
Through  the  golden-flowered  helmet  a  great  stroke  did  he  smite. 
Both  of  his  eyes  from  the  man's  head  Lord  Olivier  did  beat. 
The  brains  of  the  smitten  Paynim  fell  down  unto  his  feet. 
With  Malsaron  he  overthrew  seven  hundred  of  his  men. 
And  Turgis  and  Estorgos  the  twain  he  slaughtered  then. 
The  lance-haft  to  his  hand-grasp  was  splintered  and  to-broke. 

"What  dost  thou,  my  companion?"  So  the  Count  Roland 
"  In  such  a  bitter  battle  for  a  truncheon  have  no  care.  [spoke, 
The  sharp  steel  and  the  iron  have  richer  value  there.  [hold, 
Where  is  the  great  sword  Haulteclair  that  thou  wast  wont  to 
Whose  pommel  is  of  crystal  and  the  great  hilt  all  of  gold?" 

And  Olivier  gave  answer :    "  I  could  not  draw  it  indeed 
To  smite  within  the  battle,  too  eager  was  my  need." 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  53 

CVIII     And   thereupon  Lord   Olivier   the    goodly   war-sword 
Even  as  his  comrade  Roland  had  besought  him  so  to  do,      [drew, 
And  like  to  a  good  cavalier  held  it  in  all  men's  sight. 
On  Justin  of  Val-Ferree,the  Paynim  did  he  smite. 
And  the  head  of  that  same  Paynim  in  pieces  twain  he  smote, 
And  clove  him  through  the  body  and  the  embroidered  coat. 
And  right  through  the  good  saddle  set  with  fair  gold  and  fine 
Swiftly  the  stroke  went  downwards  and  clove  me  horse's  spine. 
Before  him  dead  upon  the  field  the  man  he  hath  o'erthrown. 

Said  Roland: 

"  Thee  hereafter  for  my  brother  will  I  own. 
King   Charlemagne   aye   loves   us    for   such   buffets   with   the 

brand." 

Now  was  the  war-shout  of  Mount  joy  cried  out  on  every 

hand. 


CIX     On  the  good  charger  Sorrel  was  Gerin  the  chevalier, 

And  Gerier  his  comrade  on  Swifter-than-the-Deer. 

They  slacked  the  rein  together  and  spurred  the  horses  well 

And  rode  out  to  do  battle  with  the  Paynim  Timosel. 

On  the  shield  smote  one.    The  other  his  hauberk  struck  amain. 

The  two  spears  in  his  body  were  broken  right  in  twain. 

And  of  myself  I  know  not,  nor  e'er  did  hear  men  say, 

Which  of  the  two  good  heroes  was  swiftest  on  that  day. 

And  thither  Count  Espreveris  the  son  of  Borel  drew. 

Him,  Engelier  of  Bordeaux  in  the  battle  overthrew. 

And  Turpin  the  Archbishop  there  slaughtered  Siglorel, 

The  enchanter  who  already  had  descended  into  Hell.   » 

There  Jupiter  had  brought  him  by  wicked  glamourie/  \ 

Said  Turpin  the  Archbishop :    "  A  strong~villain  was  he." 


54  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

And  Roland  spake  in  answer : 

"  The  knave  is  vanquished  here. 
Beautiful  are  such  gallant  strokes,  my  brother  Olivier." 


CX     But  the  battle  in  the  meanwhile  in  bitter  guise  outbroke. 
The   Frenchmen   and  the   Paynims   smote   many   a   wondrous 

stroke. 

And  some  came  on  right  fiercely;  on  their  ward  the  others 

stood. 

What  store  of  spears  were  shattered  and  drenched  in  the  blood ! 
How  many  gonfalons  and  flags  were  tattered  in  the  fray. 
How  many  gallant  Frenchmen  gave  up  their  youth  that  day. 
No  more  shall  they  see  their  mothers.    Their  wives  they  will  not 

see. 

Nor  the  French  beyond  the  passes  that  await  them  eagerly. 
King  Charlemagne  he  weeps  and  moans.     Hath  his  woe  any 

worth  ? 

They  get  thereby  no  succor.    When  Ganelon  went  forth 
To  sell  in  Saragossa  his  kindred  for  his  gain, 
He  did  most  evil  service  to  the  men  of  Charlemagne. 
But  life  and  limb  thereafter  of  the  man  went  all  to  wreck. 
In  the  court  of  Aix  was  he  condemned.     They  hanged  him  by 

the  neck. 

And  thirty  of  his  kinsmen  perished  with  him  thereby 
That  had  not  any  deeming  how  they  were  doomed  to  die. 


CXI     Marvellous    waxed    the    battle    with    anguish    heavy- 
And  Olivier  and  Roland  exceeding  well  they  fought.       [fraught. 
From  the  hand  of  the  Archbishop  a  thousand  strokes  did  fall, 
Nor  any  whit  were  slothful  the  twelve  peers  one  and  all. 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  55 

And  all  of  the  French  array  struck  into  the  mellay. 
By  hundreds  and  by  thousands  the  Paynims  fell  that  day. 
'Gainst  death  he  had  no  warrant  who  fled  not  thence  away 
And,  would  he  not  or  would  he,  his  life  was  given  o'er. 
All  of  their  fairest  armor  the  Franks  lost  in  the  war. 
Their  fathers  and  their  kinsmen  they  will  never  see  again, 
Nor  him  who  waits  beyond  the  gates,  the  Emperor  Charle- 
magne. 

In  France  there  was  a  tempest  enough  to  make  onecgisdL^J 
Along  the  storm-cloud  hasted  with  the  thunder  and  the  gale. 
The  rain  and  hail  unmeasured  beat  fiercely  from  aloft ; 
And  the  thunder  in  its  fury  rattled  many  a  time  and  oft. 
And  all  the  land  was  shaken  by  an  earthquake  verily 
From  Rheims  unto  Saint  Michael-of-the-Peril-of-the-Sea, 
And  from  the  Port  of  Wissant  unto  Besan9on  the  town 
There  was  not  any  city  whose  bulwarks  fell  not  down. 
And  at  the  height  of  noon-tide  great  darkness  came  on  high; 
There  was  no  light  nor  clearness  but  for  breaking  of  the  sky. 
All  were  in  dread  and  many  said :     % 

"  It  is  the  day  of  doom. 
The  term  of  all  our  cycle^and  the  end  of  time  is  come." 

The  truth  they  understood  not ;  no  verity  they  spake. 
It  was  sorrow  for  the  paladin,  and  woe  for  Roland's  sake.   ( 


CXII     The  Franks  have  fought  the  battle  with  a  great  heart 

and  strong, 

And  the  Paynim  knights  have  fallen  by  thousands  in  the  throng. 
Out  of  an  hundred  thousand  are  left  but  thousands  two. 
Said  Turpin : 

"  Our  good  cavaliers  are  gallant  men  to  do. 


56  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

Is  no  king  under  heaven  has  better  in  his  ranks." 

This  is  the  saying  written  in  the  deed-book  of  the  Franks, 
That  the  vassals  of  the  Emperor  are  brave  men  in  the  fight. 
Through  the  field  they  sought  their  comrades  on  the  left  and 

on  the  right. 

And  the  tears  of  grief  and  tenderness  out  of  their  eyes  did  start 
For  love  of  their  good  kinsmen  that  were  dear  unto  the  heart. 
And  with   a  great   host   Marsile   the   King  before   them 

stands. 


CXIIa     I  wot  the  great  Count  Roland  is  a  good  knight  of  his 

hands. 

And  the  twelve  peers  and  Olivier  great  worship  is  their  due. 
The  Paynims  by  their  power  in  the  fight  they  overthrew. 
Of  an  hundred  thousand  homewards  never  a  soldier  came 
Save  for  a  single  Paynim.    Margaris  was  his  name. 
And  though  he  fled,  unto  him  shame  or  reproach  was  none. 
His  body  bore  him  witness  of  the  deeds  that  he  had  done. 
Four  lances  had  he  in  him.     He  turned  back  into  Spain. 
The  matter  of  the  battle  to  Marsile  he  made  plain. 


CXIIb     Alone  hath  the  Count  Margaris  got  safely  from  the 

field. 

His  spear  was  broken  in  pieces,  and  pierced  was  his  shield, 
And  underneath  the  buckler  but  half  a  foot  was  left. 
And  as  for  his  good  helmet  in  pieces  it  was  cleft. 
And,  moreover,  of  his  hauberk  all  broken  was  the  chain. 
His  good  steel  blade  was  ruddy  with  a  vermilion  stain,     [spears. 
And  pierced  was  his  body  with  the   strokes   of   four  strong 
Back  he  came  from  the  battle  where  the  buffets  were  so  fierce. 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  57 

!  what  a  baron  had  he  been,  had  he  been  christened  well. 
Fnto  the  Paynim  Marsile  those  tidings  did  he  tell. 
Swiftly  before  the  King  he  knelt  and  to  him  did  he  say : 

"  To  horse,  my  lord.    The  Franks  of  France  are  weary  from 

the  fray 

And  from  striking  down  our  henchmen  with  the  great  strokes 

of  war. 

They  have  lost  the  spears  and  bucklers  that  in  the  fight  they 
And  half  of  all  their  army  is  slaughtered  in  the  fight.  [bore ; 

And  they  that  yet  are  living  are  found  in  sorry  plight. 
The  most  are  wounded  and  ruddy  with  the  blood  themselves 

have  shed; 

And  they  have  not  any  weapons  against  us  to  make  head. 
Lightly  mayst  thou  avenge  us.     And  now  my  master  know 
The  army  of  King  Charlemagne  is  ripe  for  overthrow." 

And  to  Roland  and  to  Olivier  the  host   of  Frenchmen 

prayed : 

66  Let  the  twelve  peers  together  come  now  unto  our  aid." 
And  Turpin  the  Archbishop  first  of  all  his  answer  gave: 
"  Ye  men  of  God  I  pray  you  be  of  good  heart  and  brave. 
To-day  upon  your  foreheads  the  crowns  of  God  shall  lie. 
And  Paradise  the  Holy  is  your*portion  now  for  aye."  [sad. 

Among  the  host  of  Frenchmen  now  was  grief  and  sorrow 
They  wept  in  one  another's  arms  for  the  friendship  that  they 

had. 

In  charity  they  kissed.    "  Ye  knights,  to  horse  and  ride  along," 
Cried  Roland,  "  Marsile  cometh  an  hundred  thousand  strong !" 


CXIII     And  down  amid  a  valley  in  haste  King  Marsile  sped. 
The  army  he  had  gathered  along  with  him  he  led. 


58  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

In  twenty  stricken  columns  their  number  had  he  told. 
Blazing  were  all  their  helmets  with  precious  stones  and  gold. 
Pennants  and  spears  and  bucklers  and  broidered  coats  had  they 
And  seven  thousand  war-horns  were  bellowing  for  the  fray. 
The  bruit  and  the  tumult  through  the  land  went  far  and  near. 
Said  Roland: 

"  My  good  comrade  and  brother  Olivier, 
Count  Ganelon,  the  traitor,  hath  sworn  to  work  our  death. 
No  longer  may  be  hidden  the  breaking  of  his  faith. 
But  certainly  the  Emperor  shall  well  avenge  the  wrong. 
And  we  will  have  a  battle  most  terrible  and  strong. 
There  is  no  man  that  liveth  that  ever  saw  the  like. 
Therein  with  the  blade  Durendal  the  great  strokes  will  I  strike. 
Fall  on,  my  good  companion,  with  Haulteclair  the  brand. 
Well,  heretofore,  the  blades  we  bore  in  many  and  many  a  land. 
And  we  have  won  together  of  battles  such  a  throng. 
Let  them  hereafter  never  sing  of  us  an  evil  song." 

X 

CXIV     When  the  Franks  looked  on  the  heathen  how  fast  they 

came  amain, 

And  how  in  every  quarter  they  swarmed  upon  the  plain, 
Often  then  unto  Roland  and  Olivier  they  prayed,  [aid. 

And  the  twelve  peers,  moreover,  that  they  should  stand  their 
And  Turpin  the  Archbishop  there  made  his  meaning  clear: 

"  Ye  gallant  knights,  I  pray  you  that  ye  have  no  coward 
In  God's  name  I  beseech  it.    Turn  not  to  flee  away.  [fear, 

Let  no  brave  man  hereafter  sing  of  you  an  evil  lay. 
Better  it  is  in  battle  like  a  brave  man  to  fall. 
And  this  day  it  is  certain  we  shall  perish  one  and  all. 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  59 

After  this  day  our  fortune  no  longer  is  to  live. 
But  for  one  thing  unto  you  my  warrant  will  I  give.  [dwell." 

For  Holy  Paradise  is  yours.     With  the  Saints  ye  there  shall 
When  the  Franks  heard  the  Bishop's  word  it  cheered  them 

wondrous  well. 

There  was  not  any  Frenchman  of  them  that  stood  about 
But  forthwith  with  a  mighty  voice  Mount  joy  began  to  shout. 


CXIVa     Unto  the  worst  of  princes  Marsile  the  King  was  peer. 
He  said  unto  the  Paynims : 

"  Lordings,  now  hark  and  hear. 

This  Frank,  the  Marquis  Roland,  is  a  man  of  might  and  main. 
Who  will  beat  him  in  the  battle  must  suffer  grievous  pain. 
And  Roland  in  two  battles  ye  cannot  overthrow. 
But  thrice,  if  it  be  your  pleasure,  against  him  will  we  go. 
And  ten  of  my  strong  columns  against  the  French  shall  ride. 
The  other  ten,  however,  shall  tarry  at  my  side. 
The  glory  of  King  Charlemagne  this  day  shall  ruined  be. 
And  France  hurled  into  ruin,  moreover,  shall  ye  see." 

Then  an  embroidered  banner  he  gave  unto  Grandoign 
To  lead  his  men  against  the  Franks  that  battle  they  might  join. 
And  therewithal  was  given  to  Grandoign  the  whole  command. 


CXIVb     To  a  low  hill  went  Marsile  and  there  he  took  his  stand. 
And  Grandoign  straight  departed  with  all  his  company. 
Down  he  rode  through  the  valley  as  swiftly  as  might  be. 
His  gonfalon  was  fastened  with  three  fair  nails  of  gold. 
He  shouted  as  he  galloped: 

"  To  horse,  ye  barons  bold !" 


60  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

And  that  it  might  be  fairer  yet  a  thousand  trumpets  blew. 
"  O  Father  God,"  the  Frenchmen  said, 

"  What  deed  is  now  to  do  ? 

Surely  we  saw  Count  Ganelon  upon  an  evil  day. 
And  by  his  wicked  treason  he  has  bartered  us  away. 
What  ho !  the  twelve  companions !  come  now  unto  our  aid !" 
And  first  Archbishop  Turpin  gave  answer  there  and  said: 

"  Good  knights,  to-day  great  honor  unto  you  shall  be  given. 
God  will  give  you  crowns  and  flowers  amid  the  Saints  of  Heaven. 
But  there  is  not  any  coward  that  shall  enter  into  rest." 
To  him  the  Franks  made  answer: 

"  We  will  do  thy  whole  behest. 
We  will  not  fear  for  death  at  all." 

With  the  good  golden  spurs 

They  spurred  away  to  battle  against  those  dastard  curs. 
And  they  shouted  all  together:  "  Mount  joy  for  Charlemagne!" 


CXIVc     Marsile  the  king,  divided  all  of  his  host  in  twain. 
Ten  columns  kept  he  with  him  and  ten  rode  out  to  war. 
A  thousand  trumpets  thundered  and  a  man  might  hear  them 
Said  the  Franks:  [far. 

"  God !  what  a  slaughter  shall  we  suffer  in  this  fravj 
Ye  twelve  good  peers,  what  deem  you  shall  become  of  us  this 

day?" 

Thereto  Archbishop  Turpin  spake  in  answer  to  this  end: 
"  Good  cavaliers,  now  greatly  has  God  become  your  friend. 
This  day  shall  ye  be  crowned  with  crowns  and  lovely  flowers 

likewise ; 
This  day  ye  shall  have  places  in  the  peace  of  Paradise. 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  61 

But  never  shall  the  cowards  have  any  entry  there." 
Said  the  Franks : 

"  We  will  not  fail  you  in  anything  whate'er. 
Never  to  God  were  it  pleasing  that  we  should  be  gainsaid. 
With  our  full  strength  on  the  foemen  this  battle  shall  be  made. 
Few  men  we  are,  but  hardy^' 

They  spurred  the  knaves  to  slay 
And  Saracen  and  Frenchman  slashed  into  the  mellay. 


CXV     There  was  of  Saragossa  a  Saracen  at  hand. 

The  half  of  all  the  city  it  was  his  fief  and  land. 

'Twas  Climborin  who  was  not  a  good  knight  of  his  word. 

'Twas  he  who  with  Count  Ganelon  had  made  a  fast  accord 

That  he  should  sell  Count  Roland  and  all  his  host  of  men. 

Count  Ganelon  upon  the  mouth  of  friendship  kissed  he  then, 

And  gave  to  him  a  carbuncle  and  therewithal  his  helm. 

And  he  boasted  there  the  Greater  Land  in  shame  to  overwhelm. 

From  Charlemagne  would  he  take  away  the  royal  crown  by 

He  sate  upon  the  charger  that  Barbamuche  was  hightj^    [might. 

And  swifter  than  a  swallow  or  a  falcon  was  the  steed. 

He  loosed  the  rein.    He  spurred  him  to  the  utmost  of  his  speed. 

Towards  Engelier  of  Gascony  he  galloped  o'er  the  field. 

No  whit  might  save  the  Frenchmen  his  hauberk  or  his  shield. 

He  thrust  into  the  body  the  iron  of  the  spear 

So  well  that  out  behind  him  all  of  the  point  was  clear. 

With  the  swift  lance  upon  the  field  he  laid  the  dead  man  low. 

And  after  cried : 

"  These  Frenchmen  are  good  to  overthrow. 
Strike  in !  strike  in !  ye  Saracens,  and  batter  in  their  ranks." 
"  God !  what  sorrow  for  the  hero !"  was  the  cry  among  the 

Franks. 


• 


5' 


62  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

CXVI     And  thereupon  Count  Roland  to  Olivier  he  said: 
"  Engelier,  lord  companion,  is  already  smitten  dead. 

We  have  not  in  the  army  a  braver  man  than  he." 

Said  Olivier :    "  To  venge  him  God  grant  it  unto  me." 
Forthwith  he  spurred  the  charger  with  the  golden  spurs 

so  good, 

And  he  hove  up  the  sword  Haulteclair  all  ruddy  with  the  blood. 

And  there  of  his  good  courage  he  rode  to  smite  him  well. 

His  stroke  hath  made  the  Paynim  reel ;  down  from  the  steed  he 

And  thence  away  his  spirit  the  adversary  bore ;  [fell. 

Thereafter  the  Duke  Alphaien  he  slaughtered  in  the  war. 

The  brow  of  Escababi  he  clove  it  in  his  course, 

And  seven  Arabs  also  he  beat  them  from  the  horse. 

Never  again  those  seven  men  to  war  will  take  the  path. 
Said  Roland : 

"  My  companion  is  greatly  up  in  wrath. 

Beside  me  in  the  battle  much  honor  now  he  hath. 

We  are  dearer  unto  Charlemagne  for  such  buffets  as  he  smites." 

With  a  loud  voice  he  shouted,  "  Strike  into  it,  my  knights !" 


CXVII     Now  came  Valdabron  the  Paynim  that  for  his  chivalry 

Marsile  bred  up.    Four  hundred  ships  were  his  upon  the  sea. 

Was  no  sailor  of  his  thieving  but  had  sore  cause  to  complain. 

Jerusalem,  the  city,  by  treason  had  he  ta'en. 

The  temple  of  King  Solomon  he  plundered  through  and  through. 

The  Patriarch,  moreover,  before  the  font  he  slew. 

And  Valdabron  with  Ganelon  himself  by  oath  had  bound. 

And  a  good  sword  he  gave  him  and  therewith  a  thousand  pound. 

There  he  sate  in  the  saddle  on  Gradamont  his  horse. 

Swifter  than  any  falcon  was  that  charger  in  his  course. 


«* 

V3 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  63 

He  spurred  right  well.    To  fell  him  at  Samson  did  he  ride 
That  was  a  duke  among  the  French,  and  a  gallant  man  beside. 
He  shattered  all  the  buckler,  through  the  hauberk  did  he  shear. 
He  thrust  into  the  body  the  pennant  of  the  spear. 
With  the  swift  lance  from  the  saddle  he  smote  the  hero  dead. 
"  Knaves !  ye  shall  die,"  with  a  great  cry  unto  the  French 

he  said, 

"  This  day  an  evil  succor,  shall  ye  get  from  Charlemagne. 
Paynims,  strike  in,  and  lightly  this  battle  will  we  gain."     [woe." 
Said  the  Franks :    "  God !  for  the  baron  how  bitter  is  our 


CXVIII     When  Roland  saw  Duke  Samson  slain  in  the  over-. 

throw, 

Then  he  suffered  such  a  sorrow  as  was  never  known  to  man. 
He  spurred  the  steed  beneath  him  till  its  uttermost  it  ran ; 
And  the  sword  worth  more  than  the  fine  gold,  even  Durendal  he 

bare. 

Hard  as  he  might  he  rode  to  smite  against  that  Paynim  there 
A  high  stroke  over  his  helmet  of  gold  with  the  gems  a-row. 
He  clove  the  head  and  the  hauberk  and  the  body  with  that  blow, 
And  the  good  selle^that  jewels  and  gold  work  did  not  lack, 
Unto  the  back  of  the  charger  and  deep  into  the  back. 
Whether  ye  praise  or  blame  him,  the  twain  there  smote  he  dead. 
"  A  mighty  stroke  against  us  was  that  stroke,"  the  Paynims 

said. 

"  Ah !  ever  shall  I  hate  you,"  shouted  Roland  through  their 

throng, 

"  Upon  your  side  is  naught  but  pride  and  the  bitterness  of 

wrong." 


64  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

CXIX     An  African  of  Africa  into  that  battle  came. 
He  was  the  son  of  Malcud ;  Malquidant  was  his  name. 
All  of  the  gold  fair  beaten  was  the  armour  he  had  on. 
Brighter  than  all  the  others  was  he  flashing  in  the  sun. 
And  he  rode  Lost-Leap,  the  charger  with  whom  no  beast  could 
To  smite  the  shield  of  Anseis  he  galloped  out  apace.  [race. 

The  red  and  blue  he  pierced  it,  and  the  hauberk-plates  he  broke. 
He  thrust  both  wood  and  iron  through  the  body  with  the  stroke. 
With  the  swift  lance  Lord  Anseis  down  on  the  field  he  bore. 
The  Count  is  dead.    His  season  and  his  time  of  life  are  o'er. 

Said  all  the  Franks,  "  Good  baron,  evil  hap  is  on  thy 


CXX     Then  spurring  on  his  charger  Archbishop  Turpin  came. 
A  priest  the  like  of  Turpin  sang  never  Mass  before. 
That  wrought  with  his  own  body  such  mighty  deeds  of  war. 
He  said  unto  the  Paynim  : 

"  God's  curse  now  fall  on  thee. 

Thou  hast  slaughtered  my  good  comrade  and  sore  it  irkethme." 
He  spurred  the  steed  and  smote  the  wretch  on  the  Toledo  shield 
So  that  dead  on  the  green  herbage  he  struck  him  in  the  field. 

Now  the  son  of  Capuel  the  King  of  Cappadocia  came 
From  the  army  of  the  heathen,  and  Grandoign  was  his  name. 
He  sate  upon  the  charger  that  Marmorie  was  hight, 
A  steed  that  was  far  fleeter  than  any  bird  in  flight.  [rein, 

He  spurred  the  charger  with  the  spurs.    He  slacked  the  bridle- 
He  rode  to  fight  with  Gerin  with  all  his  might  and  main. 
He  rent  the  scarlet  buckler  with  a  great  stroke  in  the  fray ; 
Thereafter  all  his  hauberk  he  tore  and  shore  away. 
He  thrust  into  the  body  his  azure  battle-flag, 
And  dead  he  struck  Count  Gerin  beside  a  mighty  crag. 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  65 

And  his  companion  Gerier  he  likewise  overthrew. 
Guy  of  Saint  Anton  also,  and  Berenger  he  slew.  [he, 

Then  forth  to  fell  Count  Austore  through  the  battle  hastened 
Valentia  on  the  Rhone  that  held  as  his  own  seignory. 
He  smote  him  dead.    The  Paynims  were  joyful  one  and  all. 
Said  the  Franks  to  one  another :     "  How  fast  our  heroes 

fall!" 


CXXII     A  red  sword  had  Count  Roland.     What  lament  the 

Franks  did  make 

He  hearkened,  and  he  sorrowed  till  his  heart  was  like  to  break. 
He  said  unto  ;the  Paynim: 

"  God's  curse  fall  on  thee  here ! 

Thou  hast  slaughtered  my  companion.     The  thing  shall  cost 

thee  dear." 

He  spurred  the  charger  onwards  that  slackened  not  his 

pace. 
Whosoe'er  shall  lose  the  battle  the  twain  are  face  to  face. 


CXXIII     Grandoign  was  stark  and  valiant  and  leal  and  keen 

to  fight. 

He  came  on  Roland  in  his  way.    He  knew  him  at  the  sight, 
Though  never  had  he  seen  him,  because  of  his  proud  glance, 
By  his  look  and  his  gentle  body,  and  by  his  countenance. 
He  could  not  hide  his  terror  and  had  fled,  but  naught  availed, 
For  Roland  with  such  fury  the  infidel  assailed 
That  even  through  the  nasal  all  of  the  helm  was  rent. 
The  stroke  went  down  right  through  the  crown.     Unto  the 

teeth  it  went. 


66  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

Through  the  body  and  the  hauberk  of  the  mail  the  buffet  flew. 
On  the  golden  selle  the  pommel  of  silver  it  cut  through, 
And  deep  into  the  horse's  Eack  the  good  sword  sank  amain. 
And  horse  and  man  upon  the  field  fell  cloven  right  in  twain. 
There  rose  among  the  Saracens  a  bitter  wailing  yell. 

Then    said    the    Franks :     "  Our    champion    acquits    him 

wondrous  well." 


CXXIV     Marvellous  was  the  battle  and  furious  was  the  fight. 
Fiercely  the  Franks  struck  into  it  in  their  anger  and  their 

might. 

They  clove  right  through  the  Paynims,  through  back  and  side 

and  hand, 

Through  the  garments  of  the  living  flesh  with  the  keen  slashing 

brand. 

And  over  the  green  grasses  the  blood  went  running  clear. 
Quoth  the  Saracens : 

66  No  longer  can  we  bear  the  battle  here. 
Mahomet !  on  the  Greater-Land  black  may  thy  curses  fall, 
For  now  before  the  nations  her  folk  are  best  of  all." 

There  was  no  man  among  them  King  Marsile  but  implored : 
"  Quickly  to  us  that  are  in  need !  ride  to  our  aid,  our  lord !" 


CXXV     O  wondrous  is  the  battle,  and  terrible  the  tide.  _ 
The  Franks  with  the  brown-flashing  spears  hard  into  it  they 
The  sorrow  of  the  people  there  lightly  might  you  view.         [ride. 
So  many  slain  lay  in  their  blood,  deep  smitten  through  and 

through, 

And  outstretched  or  face  downward  on  all  sides  were  the  dead. 
Against  the  Franks  the  heathen  no  longer  might  make  head. 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  67 

And,  would  they  not  or  would  they,  they  turned  their  backs  in 

flight. 

And  all  the  Franks  pursued  them  in  their  strength  of  living 

might. 


CXXVa     Roland  wrought  in  the  battle  like  a  good  knight  and 

strong, 

And  the  Franks  urged  their  horses  most  gallantly  along. 
At  gallop  and  hand-gallop  fled  the  Paynims  as  they  could. 
The  Franks  came  on.     Their  bodies  are  stained  with  crimson 

blood. 

Twisted  and  bent  and  broken  are  the  war-swords  in  the  hand. 
They  have  nought  save  the  war-horns  the  foemen  to  withstand. 
Then  they  thought  upon  the  trumpets  and  the  great  horns 

beside, 

And  he  who  had  one  by  him  was  filled  with  strength  and  pride. 
With  the  horns  the  brows  and  bodies  and  the  hands  and  feet 
Then  said  full  many  a  Saracen:  [they  clave. 

"  These  French  are  over  brave. 

There  cometh  now  upon  us  the  slaughter  and  the  wrack." 
They  left  the  field  behind  them.  A  On  us  they  turned  their  back. 
Great  buffets  with  the  war-horns  the  Frenchmen  smote  alway; 
Even  before  King  Marsile  the  line  of  dead  men  lay. 


CXXVI     Marsile  saw  how  in  the  slaughter  his  men  were  over- 
thrown. 

His  clarions  and  trumpets,  he  caused  then  to  be  blown. 
Then  out  he  rode  to  battle  with  his  army  of  the  ban._ 
Forth  rode  before  a  Saracen.    Abysmus  was  the  man. 


68  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

There  was  not  in  that  army  a  greater  knave  than  he. 

Vile  crimes  had  he  committed  and  filthy  lelony. 

And  of  God,  the  Son  of  Mary,  he  trusted  not  the  grace. 

And  blacker  than  the  melted  pitch  was  that  Paynim  in  the  face. 

And  better  loved  he  treason  and  murder  than  to  hold 

At  his  pleasure  all  the  treasure  of  the  Galician  gold. 

Never  had  man  beheld  him  to  jest  and  laugh  aloud. 

He  was  a  man  of  courage  and  furiousness  uncowed. 

Unto  the  foul  King  Marsile  was  he  very  dear  therefore. 

To  rally  men  in  battle  the  Dragon  aye  he  bore. 

And  Turpin  the  Archbishop  would  never  love  that  wight. 

When  he  had  looked  upon  him,  he  yearned  the  man  to  smite. 

Under  his  breath  the  Bishop  saith  to  himself  quietly : 

"  A  mighty  heretic  I  deem  this  Saracen  to  be. 

Better  die  than  make  no  effort  the  villain  here  to  slay. 

Cowards  to  love  and  cowardice  has  never  been  my  way." 


CXXVII     Thereat  Archbishop  Turpin  himself  began  the  fray. 
He  sate  upon  a  charger  that  from  Grossail  he  had  ta'en. 
A  king  was  he  that  Turpin  in  the  Danish  march  had  slain. 
He  was  a  coursing  charger  and  swift  to  ride  along.        [strong. 
His   hoofs   were   seemly   shapen.      His   legs   were   smooth   and 
In  the  crouj>jthe  steed  was  stalwart  and  narrow  in  the  thigh; 
His  flanks  were  long  and  mighty ;  his  back  was  very  high. 
White  was  his  tail,  and  yellow  from  his  neck  the  mane  did  fall, 
And  tawny  was  his  frontlet,  and  his  ears  were  fine  and  small. 
There  was  no  beast  beneath  the  skies  against  him  that  could 
And  Turpin  of  his  chivalry  he  spurred  the  courser  on.          [run, 
He  slacked  his  hand  on  the  bridle-rein  and  on  the  golden  bit. 
Until  he  smote  Abysmus  he  waited  not  a  whit. 


y 


6^V^. 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  69 


To  strike  him  on  the  wondrous  shield  against  him  did  he  bear, 
Whereon  was  set  a  great  array  of  precious  stones  and  fair, 
Amethyst,  topaz,  carbuncle,  and  crystal  flaming  clear. 
They  were  given  to  Abysmus  by  Galafer  the  Emir. 
(Galafer  in  Val-Metas  from  the  fiend  the  jewels  got) 
But  Turpin  fell  upon  him  and  spared  him  not  a  jot. 
After  his  stroke  that  buckler  it  was  not  worth  a  groat.    ^ 
From  side  to  side  through  the  body  Archbishop  Turpin  smote. 
He  struck  him  down.    Said  all  the  Franks : 

"  A  gallant  man  is  he. 
Well  enow  with  the  Archbishop  the  Holy  Cross  will  be." 


CXXVIII     "  Now  by  your  leave,  lord  comrade,"  Roland  said 

to  Olivier: 

"  This  Turpin  the  Archbishop  is  a  gallant  cavalier — 
Under  the  sky  upon  the  earth  better  is  none  to  fight. 
Well  hath  he  learned  in  battle  with  pike  and  spear  to  smite." 

And  Olivier  gave  answer :    "  Let  us  go  unto  his  aid." 
And  at  the  word  the  battle  the  Franks  once  more  assayed. 
Hard  strokes,  fierce  thrusts  the  Christians  bore,  and  agonies 

most  drear. 

But  though  thereby  they  perish  they  will  sell  their  lives  right 

dear. 


CXXVIIIa     The  Franks  of  France  of  weapons  are  in  this 

hour  bereft. 

No  more  than  seven  hundred  of  the  naked  swords  are  left. 
They  smite  and  cleave  the  helmets  that  are  so  fair  of  sheen. 
God !    What  a  store  of  bucklers  through  the  midst  are  smitten 

clean ! 


70  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

How  many  helms  and  hauberks  broken  in  the  field  remain ! 
How  many  heads  and  hands  and  feet  are  smitten  right  in  twain ! 
Said  the  Paynims : 

"  Lo,  these  Frenchmen  they  maim  us  everywhere. 
The  man  that  fleeth  not  away  of  life  hath  little  care." 
And  right  unto  King  Marsile  the  flyers  held  their  way. 

"  Lord  King,  now  give  us  succor,"  unto  him  did  they  say. 
When  Marsile  of  his  people  the  bitter  cry  had  heard — 

"  Now  Lord  Apollo  aid  me,"  even  so  he  spake  the  word : 
"  Greater  Land,  by  Mahomet  mayst  thou  now  be  stripped  and 

strown. 

Thine  army  hath  mine  army  in  the  battle  overthrown. 
The  Emperor  white-bearded,  the  great  King  Charlemagne, 
Calabria  and  Apulia  and  Rome  itself  hath  ta'en, 
Likewise  Constantinople  and  stalwart  Saxony. 
Better  it  were  to  perish  than  before  the  French  to  flee. 
Strike,  Paynims !  let  no  Frenchman  deem  himself  safe  at  last. 
If  Roland  die,  then  Charlemagne  shall  lose  a  stronghold  fast, 
And  if  he  die  not,  all  our  lives  are  lost  and  overpast." 


CXXVIIIb     Then  stoutly  with  the  lances  fought  those  Pay- 
nims unashamed. 

They  pierced  through  many  bucklers  with  the  great  swords 

that  flamed. 

They  clove  through  many  a  helmet  and  many  a  hauberk  strong. 
The  steel  and  iron  together  sang  such  a  fearful  song 
That  up  into  the  heaven  the  sparks  of  fire  flew ; 
And  blood  and  brains  a-flowing  there  lightly  might  you  view. 
And  because  of  this  Count  Roland  had  great  dole  and  heaviness, 
As  he  looked  on  his  good  captains  that  died  in  their  distress. 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  71 

And  thereon  the  Count  remembered  the  land  of  France  again, 
And  he  thought  upon  his  uncle  the  good  King  Charlemagne, 
And  a  change  came  o'er  his  spirit  that  he  could  not  stop  or  stay. 

CXXVIIIc     Count  Roland  hurled  into  the  press,  nor  ceased  at 

all  to  slay. 

Durendal  the  good  warsword  drawn  in  his  hand  he  bore. 
How  many  shields  he  shattered  and  pierced  and  clove  in  four ! 
How  many  hauberks  did  he  burst  and  helms  in  pieces  beat ! 
How  many  heads  hath  he  cloven !    How  many  hands  and  feet ! 
How  many  hundred  Paynims  on  the  field  he  killed  in  fight ! 
Nor  was  there  any  of  them  but  thought  himself  a  knight. 

CXXVIIId     Olivier  to  the  other  side  hath  taken  now  the  track. 

To  smite  against  the  Paynims  he  ran  in  the  attack. 

And  the  good  sword,  even  Haulteclair,  he  held  it  up  on  high. 

Save  Durendal,  a  better  was  not  beneath  the  sky, 

Which  Roland  wielded.     Strongly  within  the  fight  he  stood. 

Unto  the  arms  was  he  spattered  with  the  vermilion  blood. 

"  How  gallant  is  he  a  vassal,"  said  the  lord  Olivier, 
"  Woe  unto  to  us  our  friendship  this  day  shall  fail  us  here. 
It  shall  go  in  heavy  sorrow.    We  are  lost  to  Charlemagne. 
In  France  shall  be  such  sorrow  as  shall  never  be  again. 
There  will  be  many  a  gallant  man  his  prayer  for  us  will  make. 
In  holy  churches  orisons^shall  be  offered  for  our  sake 
That  our  spirits  into  Paradise  at  last  may  go  their  course." 
He  loosed  therewith  the  bridle-rein  and  onward  spurred 

the  horse. 

Through  the  press  he  came  to  Roland.    To  each  other  did  they 

call: 
"  Hither,  comrade !    I  will  fail  thee  not  unless  the  first  I  fall." 


72  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

CXXIX     Ah!   to   see   Roland   lift   the   sword,   and   likewise 

Olivier ! 

But  Turpin  the  Archbishop  was  fighting  with  a  spear. 
The  number  of  the  fallen  lightly  a  man  might  tell — 
In  letters  and  in  parchments  is  the  matter  written  well. 
The  song  saith  more  than  thousands  four  of  Saracens  there  fell. 
Through  four  attacks  the  Franks  bore  up,  but  heaviness  and 

pain 

In  the  fifth  fray  overtook  them.     All  the  French  knights  were 

slain. 

Of  the  host  no  more  than  sixty  whom  God  hath  spared  are  by ; 
But  dearly  will  they  sell  their  lives  before  they  come  to  die. 

CXXX     Count  Roland  saw  the  slaughter  of  his  men  on  every 

He  turned  him  unto  Olivier  his  comrade  and  he  cried :  [side. 

"  God  bless  thee,  lord  companion.    Seest  thou  dead  on  every 

hand 

Our  brave?    Sore  must  we  weep  for  France  the  sweet  and  lovely 
For  lack  of  her  good  barons  evil  will  be  her  cheer.  [land. 

Oh,  Charlemagne,  our  King  and  friend,  wherefore  wast  thou  not 
How  may  we  send  him  tidings,  my  comrade  Olivier?"          [here? 
Said  Olivier: 

"  I  know  not  how  the  thing  may  come  to  be. 
But  rather  would  I  perish  than  that  shame  should  come  on  me." 

CXXXI     Said  Roland: 

"  On  the  war-horn  now  will  I  blow  amain 
And  if  within  the  passes  the  King  shall  hear  it  plain, 
That  again  with  the  French  army  he  will  come,  I  will  be  sworn." 
Olivier  spake  in  answer : 

"  Thou  wilt  be  held  in  scorn. 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  73 

And  a  smirch  and  great  dishonor  on  thy  kinsmen  would  be  cast. 
That  shame  would  be  upon  them  as  long  as  life  should  last. 
When  I  gave  thereto  my  counsel,  then  naught  of  it  wouldst 

thou. 

With  my  good  will  this  matter  thou  shalt  not  compass  now. 
If  thou  blowest  the  horn,  a  deed  thou  dost  the  which  no  brave 

man  may. 

And  already  those  two  arms  of  thine,  scarlet  with  blood  are 

they." 

Thereto  the  Count  gave  answer,  "  Full  fair  strokes  did  I 

smite." 


CXXXII     And  Roland  said  thereafter :    "  Most  fearful  is  our 

fight. 

I  will  blow  a  blast  that  haply  will  be  heard  of  Charlemagne." 
"When  I  urged  it,  friend,"  said  Olivier,  "To  blow  thou 

wouldst  not  deign. 

If  but  the  King  were  with  us  we  had  not  suffered  so. 
There  lies  no  blame  upon  them  that  have  yonder  fallen  low. 
But  by  my  beard  I  swear  it :    If  I  again  set  eye 
On  Aude  my  gentle  sister,  in  her  arms  thou  shalt  not  lie." 


CXXXIII     Said  Roland: 


~7 

'*  Wherefore  at  me  in  anger  dost  thou  chide?" 


'Twas  thine  own  doing,  comrade,"  Count  Olivier  replied, 
"  For  courage  in  good  counsel  with  folly  has  no  part. 
And  judgment  aye  is  better  than  foolishness  of  heart. 

id  because  of  this  thy  vanity,  lo,  now  the  French  are  slain, 
And  our  good  deeds  for  ever  are  lost  to  Charlemagne. 


74  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

And  hadst  thou  but  believed  me,  the  King  had  come  before ; 
We  had  compassed  in  this  battle  the  ending  of  the  war ; 
And  either  slain  or  taken  King  Marsile  now  would  be. 
Ah,  Roland,  in  thy  hardihood  an  evil  thing  we  see. 
Thy  service  unto  Charlemagne  thou  never  more  shalt  pay. 
Never  shallbe  his  like  again  until  the  Judgment  Day.       [the  lip. 
Thou  wilt  perish.     At  the  land  of  France  shall  men  shoot  out 
And  to-day,  moreover,  endeth  our  good  companionship, 
woe  we  shall  be  parted  or  e'er  come  Vesper-tide." 


CXXXIV     Swiftly   Turpin   galloped   to   them   when   he   had 

heard  them  chide. 

— 

Spurring  with  golden  spurs  his  steed;  and  the  twain  did  he 

chastise: 

"  O,  thou  my  good  Lord  Roland,  and  Lord  Olivier  likewise, 
Now  by  my  God  I  pray  you  your  wrath  to  put  away, 
For  in  no  wise  the  war-horn  may  stand  our  stead  to-day. 
But  ne'ertheless  is  it  better  thereon  to  blow  the  blast. 
Thither  will  come  King  Charlemagne  and  avenge  us  at  the  last. 
Never  again  the  Spaniards  light-hearted  hence  shall  speed. 
Here  will  our  own  dear  Frenchmen  dismount  them  from  the 

steed. 

Here  will  they  find  us  stark  and  dead  smitten  with  many  a 

wound ; 

On  biers  upon  the  sumpter-beasts  will  they  raise  us  from  the 

ground. 

They  will  mourn  for  us  in  pity  and  in  sorrow,  one  and  all, 
And  bury  us  together  within  the  convent-wall. 
Nor  wolf  nor  hound  shall  devour  us,  nor  wild  boar  on  us  feed." 
And  Roland  spake  in  answer :     "  Thou  speakest  well  in- 
deed." 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  75 

CXXXV  The  mighty  horn  Count  Roland  hath  put  his  lips 

unto. 

He  held  it  well  between  them,  and  with  all  his  strength  he  blew. 

And  high  are  all  the  summits,  and  O  the  way  is  long, 

But  a  full  fifteen  good  leagues  away  they  heard  it  echo  strong. 

And  Charlemagne  hath  heard  it,  and  his  every  knave  and  knight. 
Said  Charlemagne :  "  Our  henchmen  have  fallen  on  some 
But  Ganelon  unto  him  hath  spoken  in  reply,  [fight." 

"  Had  any  other  said  it  thou  wouldst  take  it  for  a  lie." 


CXXXVI     Even  so  the  Marquis  Roland  in  agony  and  pain 
And  bitterness  of  sorrow  blew  on  the  horn  amain. 
Out  of  his  mouth  in  a  great  spurt  the  clear  blood  gushing  went. 
Of  his  fair  brow  by  the  effort  was  the  temple  burst  and  rent. 
Of  the  war-horn  that  he  blew  on  the  thunder  was  sq  great 
That  Charlemagne  hath  heard  it  within  the  mountain-gate. 
Neimes  the  Duke  hath  hearkened  it,  and  the  Franks  heard  it 

plain. 

"  I  hear  the  horn  of  Roland,"  said  the  Emperor  Charle- 
"  And  never  would  he  blow  it  unless  a  fight  were  on."        [magne. 

"  There  is  no  battle  toward,"  then  answered  Ganelon, 
"  But  now  thy  hair  is  hoary  and  thy  locks  white  as  snow. 
Thou  seemest  like  unto  a  babe  what  time  thou  speakest  so. 
Certes !  enough  thou  knowest  how  great  is  Roland's  pride. 
Strange  is  it  God  hath  suffered  him  so  long  while  to  abide. 
Without  thine  order  Nobilis  the  city  did  he  win. 
There  sallied  out  against  him  the  Saracens  therein. 
Against  Roland  the  good  vassal  they  lifted  up  the  hand. 
He  delivered  them  to  slaughter  with  Durendal  the  brand. 


76  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

And  the  blood  from  the  green  meadows  he  washed  with  water 

there. 

He  did  the  thing  that  it  might  seem  more  fitting  and  more  fair. 
For  a  lone  hare  the  war-horn  all  the  day  long  doth  he  wind. 
He  rideth  jesting  on  ahead  with  all  his  peers  behind. 
Under  sky  is  none  that  dareth  meet  Roland  in  the  fray. 
My  Lord  the  King  ride  onward.    For  wherefore  should  we  stay? 
Ye  may  behold  the  Greater  Land  how  far  it  is  ahead." 


CXXXVII     Now  the  lips  of  the  Count  Roland  with  spurting 

blood  were  red, 

He  blew  upon  the  war-horn  in  dolor  and  in  pain.  [magne. 

And  all  the  Frenchmen  hearkened  and  the  Emperor  Charle- 
And  the  King  spake: 

"  Yon  war-horn  it  hath  a  mighty  breath. 
A  hero  bloweth  in  anguish."    Neimes  in  answer  saith : 

"  I  deem  there  is  battle.  Roland  is  mastered  by  some  sleight. 
This  knave  would  trick  thee.  Cry  thy  cry  and  arm  thee  for  the 
If  to  the  gallant  army  succor  may  yet  avail.  [fight, 

Here  hast  thou  hearkened  overlong  how  Roland  tells  the  tale." 


CXXXVIII     The   Emperor   his   war-horns    forthwith  he   let 

them  peal^ 

From  the  steeds  the  Franks  dismounted  and  girded  on  the  steel. 
The  hauberks  and  the  helmets  and  the  great  swords  of  gold, 
And  splendid  shields  and  lances  heavy  and  strong  they  hold, 
With  the  vermilion  gonfalons,  and  the  azure  and  the  white. 
There  mounted  on  the  chargers  of  the  army  every  knight. 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  77 

Hot-spurred  they  sped  through  the  defile.     To  his  fellow  each 
"  If  we  may  look  on  Roland  or  ever  he  is  dead,         [man  said : 
Then  may  we  with  him  lightly  deal  mighty  strokes  and  strong." 
What  profit  in  their  courage?     They  have  tarried  over- 
long. 

CXXXIX     At  length  the  darkness  lightened.     The  day  was 

coming  on, 

And  all  the  armor  of  the  host  was  flashing  in  the  sun. 
The  hauberks  and  the  helmets  shone  with  a  mighty  glare, 
And  likewise  the  good  bucklers  with  flowers  painted  fair, 
And  gleaming  were  the  lances  and  the  gonfalons  of  gold. 
The  Emperor  in  anger  his  way  along  did  hold. 
And  the  Franks  were  very  angry,  and  of  very  evil  cheer. 
Was  none  but  in  his  sorrow  shed  many  a  bitter  tear. 
For  the  safety  of  Count  Roland  they  were  all  in  mighty  fear. 
And  Charlemagne  the  Emperor  let  Ganelon  be  ta'en. 
To  the  cooks  within  his  kitchen  he  delivered  him  amain. 
Begon  the  master  of  the  cooks  he  charged  most  heavily. 

"  This  fellow  like  a  traitor  do  thou  watch  and  ward  for  me 
That  betrayed  my  house." 

And  Begon  took  the  Count  in  custody. 

Of  the  best  and  worst  an  hundred  of  the  kitchen-fellowship 
Put  he  o'er  him,  and  they  pulled  the  beard  on  the  Count's  chin 

and  lip. 

And  every  one  to  Ganelon  with  the  fist  four  buffets  gave, 
And  thereafter  beat  him  nobly  with  the  twig  and  with  the  stave. 
And  a  mighty  chain  about  his  neck  they  forced  the  man  to  wear. 
They  chained  him  in  no  otherwise  than  as  men  chain  a  bear. 
And  high  upon  a  sumpter-beast  they  set  him  in  disdain. 
Thus  they  kept  him  till  they  gave  him  to  the  hands  "of  Charle- 
magne. 


78  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

CXL     Darkling  are  all  the  summits  and  very  great  and  high, 
And  deep  are  all  the  valleys  and  the  streams  run  swift  thereby. 
In  van  and  rear  the  war-horns  sounded  up  and  down  the  track ; 
To  the  great  horn  of  Roland  they  gave  their  answer  back. 
And  aye  they  prayed  unto  their  God  that  Roland  he  would 

shield, 

Till  they  were  come  unto  him  upon  the  battle-field.          [strong? 
They  will  strike  with  him  verily.     What  worth  that  they  are 
Naught  worth!    They  may  not  come  in  time.     They  have  tar- 
ried overlong. 

CXLI     And  Charlemagne  the  Emperor  in  mighty  anger  sped. 
Down  on  his  battle-hauberk  his  great  white  beard  it  spread. 
In  fiery  haste  along  with  him  the  Frankish  barons  spurred. 
There  was  no  man  among  them  but  spoke  a  bitter  word, 
For  that  with  the  Captain  Roland  they  were  not  standing  then, 
What  time  he  joined  the  battle  with  the  Spanish  Saracen. 
Of  his  host,  if  he  be  wounded,  no  soul  alive  will  be. 
Ah,  what  a  gallant  sixty  yet  keep  him  company ! 
There  is  no  king  or  captain  hath  better  men  than  he. 

CXLII     Over  the  heaths  and  mountains  looked  Roland  every 

way, 

And  he  saw  dead  upon  the  field  how  thick  the  Frenchmen  lay. 
And  like  unto  a  courteous  knight  sore  he  bewailed  Jiheir  case : 

"  Ah  now  my  fair  lord  barons !     God  grant  you  His  sweet 
And  permit  unto  your  spirits  His  Paradise  to  share ;         [grace. 
And  cause  you  to  lie  down  among  the  holy  flowers  there. 
A  better  sort  of  vassal  I  never  yet  did  see. 
For  a  great  time  good  service  have  ye  ever  yielded  me. 
For  the  Emperor  many  nations  ye  conquered  in  your  power ; 
But  he  undertook  your  governance  in  a  very  evil  hour. 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  79 

0  land  of  France,  my  country  that  is  so  sweet  and  bright,  , 
To-day  hast  thou  lost  forever  full  many  a  gallant  knight. 
Lords  of  the  Franks  I  saw  you,  how  for  my  sake  ye  fell ; 
And  I  could  not  defend  you  nor  send  you  succorjvell. 
May  God  who  never  lieth  henceforth  have  you  in  His  hand. 
But  Olivier  my  comrade  now  with  thee  will  I  stand. 

1  will  perish  of  this  sorrow,  if  here  I  be  not  slain. 
Ho !  now  my  lord  companions,  let  us  into  it  again !" 


CXLIII     And  forthwith  the  Count  Roland  hiedjiim  down  into 
Like  to  a  furious  hero  the  war  sword  did  he  wield.  [the  field. 

And  Falbron  of  the  Peak  that  tide  through  the  midst  he  clove 
And  four  and  twenty  others  of  the  best  he  overthrew.       [in  two ; 
Never  was  man  in  vengeance  had  more  fearful  a  delight. 
Even  as  the  stag  that  runneth  before  the  hounds  in  flight, 
Even  so  before  Count  Roland  the  Paynim  army  fled. 

"  Thou  dost  thy  duty  fairly,"  Archbishop  Turpin  said.   \ 
"  It  is  this  sort  of  courage  every  knight  should  have  indeed. 
That  beareth  any  armor  and  sitteth  on  a  steed. 
He  ought  in  the  high  battles  both  stout  and  stark  to  be. 
Otherwise  are  four  farthings  of  better  worth  than  he. 
A  monk  in  a  monastery  he  should  hide  himself  away, 
And  pray  for  our  deliverance  from  our  ill  deeds  each  day." 
Roland  answered : 

"  Smite  and  spare  not."     They  began  again  the  war ; 
But  in  the  fray  the  Christians  a  mighty  loss  they  bore. 


CXLIV     When  that  there  was  no  quarter  was  known  to  every 

wight, 
There  was  no  man  but  furiously  went  down  into  the  fight. 


80  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

And  therefore  all  the  Frenchmen  like  lions  wood  were  they. 

Lo !  now  is  come  King  Marsile  like  a  hero  of  the  fray. 

On  the  steed  Gaignon  spurring  hard,  he  came,  and  hath  o'er- 

Bevon  that  was  the  hero  of  Dijon  and  of  Beaune.  [thrown 

He  burst  right  through  the  hauberk;  the  shield  he  broke  in 

Without  ado  the  hero  he  struck  him  down  amain ;  [twain. 

And  Ivoris,  moreover,  and  Ivo  hath  he  slain, 

And  Gerard  of  Roussillon  therewith.    Roland  not  far  was  he. 

He  said  unto  the  Paynim : 

"  The  Lord  God's  curse  on  thee ! 

With  little  right  or  reason  my  comrades  didst  thou  slay. 
Thou  shalt  feel  my  heaviness  of  hand,  e'er  we  depart  this  day ; 
And  thou  shalt  know,  moreover,  the  name  of  this  my  brand." 

Like  a  knight  he  went  to  smite  him  and  cut  off  his  right 

hand. 

I 

And  then  he  has  smitten  off  the  head  of  Jorfaleu  the  Fair. 
Of  the  Saracen  King  Marsile  he  was  the  son  and  heir. 
The  Paynims  cried : 

"  Mahomet  aid !    Our  gods  on  Charlemagne 
Wreak  vengeance  for  the  villains  he  marshalled-  into  Spain. 
Rather  than  yield  the  battle-field  unto  us,  will  they  die." 

Said  one  unto  the  other:     "  Then  forthwith  let  us  fly." 
At  the  word  an  hundred  thousand,  to  the  rear  they  took  the 

track. 
Never  more  will  they  turn  again,  whoever  calls  them  back. 


CXLIVa     King  Marsile  his  right  hand  hath  lost,  and  Jorfaleu 

lies  dead. 

To  earth  he  cast  the  shield.    The  steed  sharply  he  spurred,  and 

fled. 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  81 

He  loosed  the   rein   away   to   Spain.      An   hundred   thousand 
Was  the  number  of  the  flyers  that  went  with  him  along,    [strong 
There  was  not  one  among  them  but  he  was  wounded  sore. 
Said  each  to  each :     "  The  nephew  of  King  Charles  hath  won 

the  war." 


CXLV     What  profits  it,  if  Marsile  his  flight  away  hath  ta'en? 
Yet  doth  his  eme^the  A]galif  upon  the  field  remain. 
He  ruled  in  Cartagena,  Alferne  and  Garmalie, 
And  Ethiopia  accursed,  and  in  his  seignory 
Was  the  Negro  race.    Great  noses  and  mighty  ears  have  they. 
And  more  than  fifty  thousand  were  gathered  for  the  fray. 
And  they  came  riding  thither  in  mighty  wrath  and  proud. 
The  war-cry  of  the  Paynims  they  lifted  up  aloud. 
Cried  Roland: 

"  Unto  martyrdom  now  are  we  given  o'er. 
In  my  heart  I  understand  it  that  we  shall  live  no  more. 
But  let  him  be  accursed  his  life  that  sells  not  dear 
Now  with  the  shining  war-sword  smite  every  cavalier. 
Now  with  a  mighty  challenge  your  life  and  death  defend, 
That  ne'er  on  the  sweet  realm  of  France  through  you  shall 

shame  descend. 

When  to  the  field  hereafter  cometh  King  Charlemagne, 
And  seeth  of  the  Paynims  what  a  multitude  are  slain, 
And  that  for  every  one  of  us  fifteen  of  them  are  dead, 
will  not  cease  from  pouring  his  blessings  on  our  head." 


CXLVI     But   when    that    the    Count    Roland    had    seen    the 

accursed  race, 
Whereof  each  man  of  them  than  ink  was  blacker  of  his  face, 


82  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

.> 

(Save  for  the  teeth  was  every  man  among  them  even  so) 
Then  spake  the  Count  : 

"  Now  verily  I  understand  and  know 
That  every  man  among  us  shall  perish  on  this  day. 
Strike,  Franks  !    Anew  in  your  behalf  will  I  take  up  the  fray." 
Quoth  Olivier :    "  Misfortune  on  the  faint-hearted  light." 
And  at  the  word  the  Frenchmen  hurled  down  into  the  fight. 


CXLVII     When  the  Paynims  saw  the  Frenchmen  that  their 

number  was  so  small, 

In  comfort  and  in  joyance  they  cheered  them  one  and  all. 
"  God  is  not  with  the  Emperor,"  one  to  the  other  said, 
"here  was  the  Algalif,  that  sate  upon  a  charger  red.  [rear 

With  the  golden  spurs  he  spurred  him,  and  running  from  the 
Full  in  the  back  a  dreadful  stroke  he  smote  on  Olivier. 
And  the  white  hauberk  on  him  from  his  body  there  he  clove ; 
Through  his  breast  forth  of  the  breast-bone  the  bitter  lance  he 
Thereto  he  said  unto  him :  [drove. 

"  Thou  hast  ta'en  thy  stroke  of  fate. 

In  an  evil  hour  King  Charlemagne  hath  left  thee  in  the  gate. 
He  hath  wrought  us  wrong  exceeding,  but  thereof  he  shall  not 

boast, 
For  well  enough  on  thee  alone  have  I  avenged  our  host." 


CXLVIII     And  Olivier  knew  forthwith  that  his  death  wound 

he  bore. 

Before  he  should  avenge  himself  he  would  not  tarry  more. 
On  high  he  lifted  Haulteclair  whereof  the  steel  flashed  brown. 
On  the  Algalif 's  bright  golden  helm  he  brought  the  great  strokes 

down. 


I 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  83 

At  a  blow  the  gems  and  flowers  unto  the  ground  he  sped ; 
And  straight  into  two  pieces  he  clove  the  Paynim's  head. 
He  brandished  o'er  the  Algalif,  and  slew  him  at  the  stroke. 

"  My  curse  upon  thee,  Paynim."    Thus  he  thereafter  spoke : 
"  I  say  not  that  no  loss  at  all  is  come  on  Charlemagne ; 
But  unto  any  woman  thou  wilt  not  go  again 
To  boast  thyself  in  any  way  in  the  country  of  thy  birth 
How  thou  hast  ta'en  from  Charlemagne   a   single   farthing's 

worth, 

Nor  the  havoc  that  on  others  and  upon  me  thou  hast  made." 
After  he  called  to  Roland  that  he  might  bring  him  aid. 


CXLIX     That  his  sore  wound  was  mortal,  Olivier  knew  in- 
wardly ; 

But  he  deemed  that  it  was  not  enough  himself  avenged  to  be. 
Once  more  to  smite  like  a  good  knight  into  the  press  he  wheeled. 
There  he  cut  through  the  lances  and  many  a  buckled  shield, 
And  fist  and  foot  and  shoulder,  and  likewise  many  a  side. 
Who  that  champion  a-hewing  at  the  Saracens  descried, 
And  hurling  down  their  bodies  o'er  each  other  in  a  pile, 
The  deeds  of  a  good  vassal  might  keep  in  mind  the  while. 
And  still  not  yet  could  he  forget  Charlemagne's  battle-cry. 
"  Mount  joy !"  he  kept  a-shouting  in  a  clear  voice  and  high, 
And  to  Roland  his  good  comrade  with  a  loud  voice  did  he  say : 
"  Draw  nigh,  fair  friend.     In  sorrow  we  twain  must  part  this 

day." 


CL     Roland  looked  upon  Olivier,  that  was  livid  and  pale  and 
The  clear  blood  from  his  body,  forth  in  a  spurt  it  ran.        [wan. 


84  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

Down  to  the  ground  went  dropping  the  great  clots  of  the  gore. 
"  God !"  said  Count  Roland,  "  What  to  do  I  know  not  any 
Lord  comrade,  mighty  evil  has  wrought  thy  chivalry.         [more. 
Of  his  body  none  for  courage  shall  ever  equal  thee. 
Sweet  land  of  France,  how  barren  art  thou  this  day,  and  waste 
Of  all  thy  gallant  heroes,  and  confounded  and  disgraced. 
The  Emperor  in  this  slaughter  will  have  great  loss  indeed." 

The  word  he  scarce  had  spoken  when  he  fainted  on  the 

steed. 


CLI     Lo  !  now  the  Marquis  Roland  on  his  charger  in 

And  likewise  the  Lord  Olivier  that  hath  a  mortal  wounc 

And  his  eyes  are  growing  troubled  (his  blood  has  run  so  free). 

The  far  and  near  no  longer  could  the  knight  clearly  see, 

Nor  had  he  longer  power  to  know  any  mortal  man. 

And  when  on  the  Count  Roland  his  comrade  dear  he  ran, 

On  the  helmet  gemmed  and  golden  he  smote  him  from  above, 

And  the  whole  of  the  good  helmet  from  the  nasal  down  he  clove, 

But  the  head  it  did  not  injure.    Roland  looked  up  at  the  stroke 

And  unto  his  companion  in  a  gentle  voice  he  spoke  : 

"  Of  thy  free-will,  my  brother,  thus  dost  thou  smite  me  here  ? 
Wottest  thou  that  I  am  Roland  who  holdeth  thee  so  dear? 
Neither  in  any  fashion  yet  hast  thou  challenged  me." 

Said  Olivier: 

"  I  hear  thee  speak.    I  got  no  sight  of  thee. 
God  keep  thee  !    If  I  smote  thee  thy  pardon  will  I  cry." 

And  Roland  spoke  in  answer  : 

"  No  hurt  I  have  thereby. 

Here  I  give  thee  my  pardon,  and  before  our  God  on  high." 
And  at  the  word  each  champion  bowed  his  head  before  his  peer. 
And  thus  it  was  they  parted  that  each  other  held  so  dear. 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  85 

CLII     Olivier  felt  come  o'er  him  death  and  its  agony. 
His  eyes  were  whirling  in  his  head.    He  could  not  hear  or  see. 
Down  from  the  steed  he  got  him,  and  on  the  ground  did  lie. 
Of  the  ill  deeds  of  his  doing  he  confessed  him  loud  and  high. 
That  he  might  enter  Paradise  to  God  he  made  his  prayer. 
He  gave  his  benediction  to  Charles  and  France  the  fair, 
And  to  his  comrade  Roland  over  all  the  sons  of  men. 
But  his  heart  failed  within  him  and  his  head  he  lowered  then. 
And  therewith  all  his  body  along  the  ground  it  spread. 
It  was  no  skill  to  tarry.    Count  Olivier  was  dead. 
Roland  beheld  and  wept  aloud,  lamenting  in  his  woe. 
Nevej^ye  saw  upon  the  earth  a  man  that  sorrowed  so. 


CLIII     But  when  looked  the  Count  Roland  on  his  dead  friend 

in  the  place, 

And  saw  him  how  he  lay  there  that  eastward  turned  his  face, 
He  gan  softly  to  bewail  him : 

"  111  for  thee,  good  cavalier, 

Was  thy  might.    We  were  together  for  many  a  day  and  year. 
Never  ill  service  gavest  thou  me,  nor  I  to  thee  did  give. 
Now  thou  art  dead,  great  evil  I  deem  it  that  I  live." 

In  the  sorrow  that  he  suffered  a  sfwound  upon  him  came, 
Where  he  sate  upon  the  charger  that  Valiant  had  to  name. 
But  in  the  stirrups  of  fine  gold  firmly  were  set  his  feet. 
He  could  not  whereso'er  he  went  slip  downwards  from  the  seat. 


CLIV     Scarce  had  he  come  unto  himself  and  wakened  from  his 

swound, 

When  the  greatness  of  the  slaughter  was  clear  to  him  around. 
The  Franks  were  dead.    The  army  was  lost  and  overthrown, 
Save  for  Archbishop  Turpin  and  Walter-a-Hume  alone, 


86  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

From  the  mount  that  came,  where  nobly  he  had  fought  the  men 

of  Spain. 

The  Saracen  had  won  the  day  and  all  his  men  were  slain. 
He  fled  into  the  valley,  whether  or  no  it  be  gainsaid, 
And  he  shouted  unto  Roland  that  he  should  bear  him  aid : 

"  O  gentle  Count  and  valiant  man,  I  prithee  where  art  thou? 
Afraid  would  I  be  never,  if  I  were  with  thee  now. 
I  am  Walter  that  o'er  Maelgut  got  once  the  overthrow, 
The  nephew  of  Lord  Droiin  with  the  beard  as  white  as  snow. 
I  was  wont  to  be  thy  comrade,  for  my  spirit  did  not  quail. 
Now  lance  and  shield  are  shattered,  and  broken  is  my  mail. 
I  am  thrust  through  the  body  with  lances  overwell ; 
But  myself  unto  the  Saracens  right  dearly  did  I  sell." 

When  that  he  heard  Lord  Walter's  word,  the  man  Count 

Roland  knew, 
And  spurring  up  the  charger  unto  the  knight  he  drew. 


CLIVa     "Lord  Walter,"  said  Count  Roland,  "I  deem  thou 

hast  been  in  fight. 

Thou  hast  fought  very  bravely  as  becomes  a  gallant  knight. 
A  thousand  valiant  cavaliers  to  the  battle  didst  thou  lead. 
Give  them  to  me,  for  of  them  I  have  most  bitter  need." 
And  Walter  answered: 

"  Living  shalt  thou  never  see  them  more. 

I  have  left  them  dead  behind  me  on  that  dolorous  field  of  war. 
There  found  we  at  encounter  a  great  army  Saracen, 
Persians  and  Turks  and  Arabs  and  the  Armenian  men, 
Algolans  and  men  of  Beda.    Fiercely  we  fought  that  host. 
No  Paynim  to  another  thereof  shall  make  his  boast ; 
For  of  them  sixty  thousand  dead  on  the  field  remain. 
But  there  in  that  same  battle  all  of  our  Franks  were  slain. 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  87, 

For  ourselves  with  the  swords  of  iron  we  wrought  a  vengeance 
Of  the  hauberk  here  upon  me  broken  is  every  plate.  [great. 

And  I  have  wounds  a-plenty  my  flank  and  side  about. 
From  all  parts  of  my  body  the  clear  blood  spurteth  out. 
And  everywhere  I  weaken  and  I  deem  that  I  shall  die. 
And  I  seek  thee  for  deliverance,  for  thy  sworn  man  am  I. 
And  prithee  do  not  blame  me  that  from  the  fight  I  fled." 

"  Nay !  never  will  I  do  it,"  in  answer  Roland  said, 
"  Thou  hast  suffered  much,  companion,  and  a  great  agony, 
But  so  long  as  life  endureth,  lend  thou  thine  aid  to  me." 


CLV     Roland  was  filled  with  anger  and  likewise  bitter  wrath. 
Again  into  the  battle  he  began  to  hew  his  path. 
There  hath  he  given  to  slaughter  twenty  of  the  men  of  Spain, 
And  six  were  killed  by  Walter,  and  five  hath  Turpin  slain. 

"  These  be  ill  knaves,"  said  the  Paynims,  "  Hence  alive  let 

them  not  flee. 

Who  comes  not  up  against  them,  accursed  let  him  be, 
And  a  vile  knave  who  lets  them  scape."     They  raised  the  hue 

and  cry. 
And  now  from  every  quarter  to  the  onslaught  they  drew  nigh. 


CLVI     Proud  is  the  Marquis  Roland,  and  hardy  is  his  heart. 
Walter-a-Hume  beside  him  like  a  good  knight  played  his  part ; 
And  Turpin  the  Archbishop  is  a  good  man  and  tried ; 
In  no  way  any  of  the  three  would  leave  his  fellow's  side. 
They  thrust  into  the  heathen  press  in  courage  and  in  might. 
A  thousand  of  the  Paynims  from  their  horses  did  alight. 
But  a  full  forty  thousand  upon  their  steeds  were  there,    /    \ 
In  my  belief  that  nearer  to  approach  them  did  not  dare. 


88  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

At  the  Franks  the  spears  and  lances  were  they  hurling  and  the 
The  throwing-dart  and  javelin,  the  arrow  and  the  pike.        [like, 
And  there  at  the  first  volley  Walter-a-Hume  they  slew. 
Turpin  of  Rheims  his  buckler  they  pierced  it  through  and 

through. 

They  have  broken  through  his  helmet  and  wounded  sore  his 
And  as  for  his  good  hauberk  they  rended  it  and  shred.        [head, 
And  right  into  his  body  four  spears  were  driven  grim. 
And  the  Paynims  slew,  moreover,  the  charger  under  him. 
It  was  an  evil  hour  when  the  Bishop  bit  the  dust. 

CLVII     When  he  knew  that  he  was  stricken,  and  four  spears 

were  through  him  thrust 

Swiftly  he  leaped  unto  his  feet,  and  to  Roland  turned  his  head, 
And  forthwith  ran  unto  him.    But  a  single  word  he  said : 
"  Not  yet  am  I  beaten.    Living  no  true  man  e'er  is  ta'en." 
Almace,  the  great  brown  blade  of  steel,  he  plucked  it  out  amain. 
A  thousand  strokes  in  the  great  press  he  dealt  there  to  and  fro. 
Thereafter  said  King  Charlemagne  that  he  let  not  any  go. 
A  full  four  hundred  corpses  about  him  there  were  found. 
None  was  there  but  was  cloven  through  or  bore  a  deadly  wound. 
And  from  some  the  heads  were  smitten  (in  the  Deed  Book  is  it 
And  they  that  were  upon  the  field  likewise  attested  it) .        [writ, 
Saint   Giles   the   knight,   in   whose   behoof   God   wrought   His 
In  Laon  Monastery  the  matter  did  relate.  [wonders  great, 

And  he  who  speaketh  other,  thereof  he  knoweth  naught. 

CLVIII     Meanwhile  the  Marquis  Roland  in  fearful  guise  he 

fought. 

But  his  body  was  all  sweating  and  burning  as  with  fire. 
His  head  was  like  to  break  in  twain  with  an  agony  most  dire, 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  89 

And  broken  were  his  temples  for  the  blowing  of  the  blast, 
But  he  yearned  to  know  the  tidings  whether  Charles  would  come 

at  last. 

He  drew  the  great  horn  to  him ;  thereon  he  feebly  blew. 
The  Emperor  halted  in  the  pass.   .The  trumpet  call  he  knew. 
"  My  lords,"  said  he,  "  Most  certainly  we  are  in  evil  way. 
Count  Roland,  my  good  nephew,  is  lost  to  us  this  day. 
I  know  him  by  his  blowing  that  his  life  is  nearly  gone. 
Whosoe'er  would  reach  the  battle  let  him  prick  his  charger  on. 
Blow  each  horn  in  the  army." 

There  blew  sixty  thousand  strong. 

Bellowing  from  vale  to  mountain  echoed  the  sound  along. 
The  Paynims  heard.    They  jested  not  concerning  that  refrain. 
Said  one  unto  the  other :    "  At  hand  is  Charlemagne." 


CLIX     Said  the  Paynims : 

"  Once  more  hither  the  Emperor  draws  near. 
And  of  the  Frankish  army  the  war-horns  ye  may  hear. 
If  Charlemagne  returneth  we  shall  be  smitten  sore; 
And  if  Count  Roland  liveth  he  will  wage  anew  the  war ; 
And  Spain  is  taken  from  us  that  was  our  own  good  realm." 

Forthwith  a  full  four  hundred  were  gathered  under  helm. 
The  fiercest  soldiers  on  the  field  in  fury  made  attack 
Upon  the  Marquis  Roland  that  labor  did  not  lack. 


CLX     But  when  the  Marquis  Roland  beheld  them  how  they 
Then  was  he  fierce  and  mighty  and  ready  for  the  game.      [came, 
Nor  will  he  yield  him  to  them  while  life  within  him  stirs. 
He  leaped  on  Valiant  and  pricked  him  with  the  good  golden 

spurs. 


90  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

And  rushed  to  slaughter  'mid  the  press,  and  with  him  Turpin 

sped. 

"  Flee  hence  away,  good  comrades,"  each  to  each  the  Pay- 

nims  said. 

"  Of  the  French  host  the  war-horns  ye  may  hear  them  far  and 

wide. 
Hither  again  doth  Charlemagne  the  mighty  Emperor  ride." 


CLXI  Count  Roland  loved  no  craven  nor  proud  nor  haughty 
^Nor  ever  any  cavalier  that  was  not  a  faithful  knight.  [wight, 
He  called  to  Bishop  Turpin : 

"  Lo  !  on  thy  feet  art  thou, 

And  I  a-horse ;  of  charity  I  will  halt  beside  thee  now. 
Let  us  abide  together  the  evil  and  the  good. 
I  will  not  quit  thee  for  any  that  is  made  of  flesh  and  blood. 
This  day  in  this  same  battle  well  shall  the  Paynims  know. 
The  name  of  the  sword  Almace  and  Durendal  also." 

"  'Tis  a  knave  his  best  who  strikes  not,"  Turpin  said  to  him 

again. 
"  At  his  return  great  toll  for  us  shall  take  King  Charlemagne." 


CLXII     Said  the  Paynims  : 

"  Very  evil  was  our  fortune  to  be  born. 

And  the  day  was  very  dreadful  that  broke  for  us  this  morn. 
We  had  sore  loss  of  many  a  lord  and  many  a  gallant  peer. 
With  his  great  host  Charles  the  Captain  again  returneth  here. 
We  hearken  the  clear  war-horn  of  the  Frenchmen  blowing  high. 
Loud  is  the  thunder  of  Mount  joy  that  is  their  battle-cry. 
As  for  the  Marquis  Roland  so  terrible  is  he, 
That  not  in  fight  by  mortal  man  e'er  vanquished  will  he  be. 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  91 

Give  him  now  room ;  cast  at  him,  standing  from  him  apart." 

At  him  was  many  a  javelin  flung,  and  many  a  throwing 

dart, 

And  many  a  feathered  arrow  and  many  a  lance  and  spear. 
They  pierced  and  rent  his  buckler,  and  made  havoc  of  his  gear. 
They  hurt  not  Roland's  body,  but  the  steed  Valiant  through 
They  smote  in  thirty  places,  and  'neath  the  Count  they  slew. 
They  let  him  bide  and  swiftly  they  turned  away  in  flight. 
Loland  was  left  there  standing  upon  the  field  of  fight.  J^ — 


CLXIII     In  sore  haste  fled  the  Paynims  and  in  anger  and  in 

wrath. 

Hard  back  into  the  land  of  Spain,  now  have  they  turned  their 
In  no  wise  did  Count  Roland  follow  upon  their  course.         [path. 
He  had  lost  within  the  battle  Valiant  his  gallant  horse ; 
And,  would  he  not  or  would  he,  in  the  place  afoot  he  stayed. 
Unto  Archbishop  Turpin  he  went  to  bear  him  aid. 
And  he  unlaced,  moreover,  the  golden  helmet  bright. 
And  he  loosened  the  white  hauberk,  so  fair  that  was  and  light. 
He  divided  the  good  tunic,  and  many  a  wound  he  dressed 
With  pieces  of  the  garment  and  bound  them  with  the  rest. 
Then  to  his  heart  the  Bishop  he  held  in  an  embrace, 
And  down  he  softly  laid  him  in  a  green  grassy  place 
And  gently  prayed : 

"  Ah,  goodly  man,  give  me  thy  leave  to  go ! 
Our  comrades  whom  we  held  so  dear  have  met  their  overthrow. 
We  must  not  leave  them.  I  will  seek  and  find  them  where  they 

be, 

And  bring  them  straightway  hither,  and  rank  them  here  by 

thee." 


^.~~hto 


92  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

Said  Turpin  the  Archbishop : 

"  Go  and  return  apace. 

Thou   and   I  have   won   the   battle   through   God's   exceeding 

grace." 


CLXIV     Then  Roland  turned  from  Turpin.     Alone  through 

the  field  he  hied. 

He  searched  along  the  valley ;  he  searched  the  mountain-side. 
On  Ivoris  and  Ivo  and  Gerier  he  fell, 
And  Gerin  his  good  comrade,  and  Berenger  as  well. 
On  Othon  and  on  Samson  and  Anse'is  came  he, 
And  likewise  upon  Engelier  the  man  of  Gascony. 
And  with  them  Gerard  the  old  man  of  Roussillon  he  found. 
And  one  by  one  the  barons  he  lifted  from  the  ground, 
And  forth  unto  the  Bishop  each  one  of  them  he  bore. 
In  a  long  rank  he  ranged  them  the  Bishop's  knees  before, 
That  could  not  keep  from  weeping.    But  he  lifted  up  his  hand 
And  blessed  them  and  said : 

"  Lord  barons,  in  evil  stead  ye  stand. 

By  the  great  God  now  may  your  souls  be  raised  up  and  ta'en, 
And  amid  the  holy  flowers  be  suffered  to  remain. 
In  very  bitter  anguish  my  death  comes  over  me, 
And  nevermore  King  Charlemagne  the  splendid  will  I  see." 

V 

CLXV     Count  Roland  o'er  the  battle  field  went  seeking  far 

And  at  the  last  discovered  his  comrade  Olivier.  [and  near, 

And  straitly  to  his  bosom  he  clasped  the  dead  man  there. 
And  as  he  might  with  the  body  to  the  Bishop  did  he  fare. 
On  a  shield  beside  his  fellows  he  laid  the  dead  to  rest. 
And  there  Archbishop  Turpin  has  absolved  them  all  and  blest. 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  93 

And  now  his  pain  and  pity  waxed  great  without  an  end. 
"  Oh  Olivier,"  said  Roland,  "  my  fair  and  lovely  friend, 
Thou  wert  son  to  the  Duke  of  Genoa  the  gallant  lord  Rainier. 
To  batter  through  the  buckler,  to  shatter  the  strong  spear, 
To  overthrow  the  arrogant  and  to  dismay  their  pride, 
And  gallant  men  and  heroes  to  counsel  and  to  guide, 
The  villains  aye  to  conquer  and  to  fill  them  with  affright, 
Ne'er  in  the  girth  of  all  the  earth  was  there  a  better  knight.' 


CLXVI     But  when  Count  Roland  cast  his  eye  on  the  corpse  of 

each  dead  peer, 

And  on  Olivier,  moreover,  whom  he  had  held  so  dear, 
Then  straightway  he  began  to  weep,  he  felt  such  tenderness ; 
And  the  color  of  his  visage  was  changed  in  his  distress. 
He  had  so  great  a  sorrow  that  its  like  might  not  be  found. 
And,  would  he  not  or  would  he,  he  fainted  on  the  ground. 

Said  Turpin  unto  Roland :     "  Thou  art  come  on  an  evil 

day." 


CLXVII     When  well  had  the  Archbishop   seen  how  Roland 

swooned  away, 

Then  sorrowed  he  so  bitterly  that  so  greatly  none  might  mourn. 
He  reached  his  hand  to  Roland  and  got  hold  upon  the  horn. 
There  was  in  Roncevaux  hard  by  a  running  water  spring. 
He  would  go  there  that  water  to  Roland  he  might  bring. 
He  put  great  force  upon  him.    And  on  his  feet  he  got. 
With  little  steps  and  feeble  he  went  tottering  towards  the  spot. 
He  was  so  weak  he  might  not  walk.     He  had  lost  such  store  of 

blood 
That  he  had  no  strength  or  courage.    Ere  he  had  gone  a  rood 


94  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

His  heart  gave  way  within  him.    Forward  he  fell  again ; 
And  his  own  death  came  on  him  in  a  great  burst  of  pain. 


CLXVIII     Meanwhile  the  Marquis  Roland  out  of  his  s wound 
Upon  his  feet  he  got  him,  but  grievous  were  his  woes.         [arose. 
Above  him  and  below  him  his  eyes  wandered  away. 
Beyond  his  friends  on  the  green  grass  he  saw  where  Turpin  lay, 
That  good  baron  the  Archbishop,  God's  embassador.     On  high 
Looked  Turpin  and  confessed  him  with  his  eyes  unto  the  sky. 
He  prayed  God  to  enter  Heaven.     Charlemagne's  knight  was 

dead. 

,  By  the  great  fights  he  fought  in,  by  the  good  words  that  he  said, 
I  Ever  against  the  Paynims  had  he  kept  up  the  war. 
His  Holy  Benediction  God  give  to  him  therefor. 


CLXIX     Roland  looked  on  the  Archbishop  where  he  lay  upon 
And  saw  out  of  his  body  the  bowels  gushing  forth.        [the  earth, 
He  saw  on  the  rent  forehead  the  brains  come  bubbling  through, 
And  flowing  down  upon  his  breast  between  his  shoulders  two. 
The  two  white  hands  together  he  crossed  that  were  so  fair. 
After  the  custom  of  the  land  he  mourned  for  Turpin  there : 
"  Ah !  man  of  fair  conditions  and  lineage  great  and  high, 
This  day  to  God  I  give  thee,  the  ruler  of  the  sky. 
Never  man  did  His  service  than  thou  more  willingly. 
None  was  since  the  apostles  so  great  in  prophecy ; 
Nor  to  keep  the  law  of  Christians,  nor  heathen  to  convert. 
May  now  thy  spirit  therefore  suffer  no  kind  of  hurt. 
Of  Paradise  may  now  the  gates  for  thee  be  open  thrown." 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  95 

CLXX     Count  Roland  knew  in  spirit  that  his  own  death  came 

on. 

For  his  own  brains  in  that  hour  were  bursting  from  his  ears. 

That  God  might  take  them  to  Him,  he  prayed  for  all  the  peers. 

Then  to  the  Angel  Gabriel  for  his  own  sake  he  prayed. 

He  seized  the  horn  that  no  reproach  against  him  might  be  made, 

And  Durendal  the  war-sword  in  the  other  hath  he  ta'en. 

Farther  than  crossbow  shoots  the  bolt  into  the  land  of  Spain 

To  a  meadow  and  a  hillock  in  the  meadow  mounted  he. 

There  were  four  great  steps  of  marble  under  a  noble  tree. 
p.And  down  on  the  green  herbage  backward  he  fell  thereby. 
I  There  hath  he  swooned  and  fainted,  for  his  death  drew  very 

nigh. 


CLXXI     Oh  lofty  were  the  mountains  and  tall  the  trees  each 

one. 

There  were  four  great  steps  fashioned  of  glistening  marble- 
stone. 

But  there   spied   on  him   a   Saracen   that   death  nearby   had 

feigned, 

Lying  with  the  dead.     His  body  and  his  face  with  blood  were 

stained. 

Forthwith  he  got  upon  his  feet.    He  hasted  and  he  ran. 
He  was  beautiful  and  mighty  and  a  very  hardy  man. 
And  anger  rose  within  him  for  his  heart  was  full  of  pride. 
He  seized  on  Roland's  body  and  his  weapons,  and  he  cried: 

"  Vanquished  is  Charles's  nephew.    His  sword  now  will  I  take 
To  Araby." 

As  he  touched  it,  somewhat  the  Count  did  wake. 


96  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

CLXXII     Roland  felt  how  the  Paynim  strove  then  to  lift  the 
He  oped  his  eyes,  and  to  him  said  but  a  single  word :          [sword. 

"  Thou  art  after  my  deeming  no  soldier  of  our  host." 

He  lifted  up  the  war-horn  that  he  had  not  lightly  lost. 
Right  on  the  jewelled  helmet  he  smote  him  such  a  stroke 
That  he  shattered  all  the  iron,  and  brow  and  skull  he  broke. 
Both  of  the  eyes  together  were  beaten  from  his  head. 
Right  at  the  feet  of  Roland  was  the  Paynim  stricken  dead. 

"  To  lay  thine  hand  upon  me,"  said  he,  "  thou  Paynim  knave, 
With  right  or  else  with  unright,  what  made  thee  now  so  brave? 
For  a  fool  all  men  hereafter  shall  hold  thee  now  in  scorn. 
Broken  into  many  pieces  is  the  great  bell  of  mine  horn 
The  jewels  and  the  gold- work  are  wrenched  away  and  torn." 


CLXXIII     Well  knew  the  good  Count  Roland  that  his  death 

was  hard  at  hand. 

His  strength  he  strove  to  gather,  and  on  his  feet  did  stand. 
The  color  from  his  visage  forth  was  driven  and  dispelled, 
And  in  his  hand  the  naked  brand,  even  Durendal,  he  held. 
Before  him  was  a  great  brown  stone  amidmost  of  his  path. 
Ten  strokes  he  smote  upon  it  in  agony  and  wrath. 
Grided  the  steel  but  broke  not.    No  notch  was  on  the  blade. 

"  Ah,"  said  the  Count,  "  Saint  Mary  come  now  unto  my  aid. 

,  Durendal  !  good  war-sword,  evil  is  thy  destiny. 
The  day  whereon  I  lose  myself  I  cannot  care  for  thee. 
Many  battles  I  won  with  thee,  many  lands  did  overthrow, 
Where  now  doth  reign  King  Charlemagne  with  the  beard  as 

white  as  snow. 

Mayst  thou  ne'er  be  his  possession,  for  another  that  will  flee. 
For  it  was  a  good  vassal  that  a  long  time  carried  thee. 
In  the  land  of  France  another  his  like  there  will  not  be." 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  97 


CLXXIV     Roland  upon  the  sardine  jstone  a  mighty  stroke  let 
Grided  the  steel  but  broke  not,  nor  was  it  notched  at  all.       [fall. 
And  when  he  had  beheld  it  that  the  sword  he  could  not  break, 
Unto  himself  a  bitter  moan  he  then  began  to  make : 

"  O  Durendal,  how  art  thou  so  beautiful  and  white ! 
Flashing  and  flaming  in  the  sun  thou  scatterest  the  light. 
What  time  Charlemagne  had  halted  in  the  Vale  of  Maurienne, 
God  out  of  Heaven  an  angel  sent  down  unto  him  then, 
And  bade  him  to  a  noble  count  a  gift  to  make  of  thee. 
And  the  gentle  King  and  mighty  girded  thee  there  on  me. 
For  him  I  won  all  Brittany,  Anjpu,  Poitou,  and  Maine, 
And  the  free  land  of  Normandy,  Provence  and  Aquitain. 
The  Roman  March  and  Lombardy  I  conquered  to  his  hand 
I  won  beside  Bavaria  and  all  the  Flemish  land. 
Bulgaria  and  Poland  by  me  were  overthrown, 
Also  Constantinople  that  Charles  for  king  did  own. 
All  Saxony,  moreover,  his  whole  behest  hath  done. 
And  Ireland,  Wales  and  Scotland  for  Charlemagne  I  won, 
And  the  English  island  likewise,  that  he  took  of  his  own  right. 
A  many  lands  and  nations  I  conquered  in  the  fight, 
That  now  are  the  possession  of  white-bearded  Charlemagne. 
Wherefore  I  suffer  for  this  sword  great  pity  and  great  pain. 
I  had  rather  die  than  a  Paynim  should  win  it  by  ill  chance. 
Fair  God !  let  such  dishonor  fall  never  upon  France." 


CLXXV     Again  the  sword  of  Roland  down  on  the  dark  stone 
He  smote  more  oft  and  harder  than  I  know  how  to  tell.          [fell. 
Grided  the  sword  upon  the  stone,  but  shattered  not  nor  broke. 
Back  again  into  heaven  it  rebounded  from  the  stroke. 
And  when  the  Count  beheld  it  that  unbroken  was  the  blade, 
Then  very  softly  to  himself  his  sore  complaint  he  made : 


98  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

"  Ah,  Durendal !  how  holy  and  virtuous  art  thou ! 
Within  thy  golden  pommel  relics  there  are  enow. 
The  tooth  of  good  Saint  Peter,  and  Saint  Basil's  blood  are 
And  of  my  Lord  Saint  Denis  a  lock  of  sacred  hair,  [there, 

And  of  the  Virgin's  vesture  a  little  part  and  share. 
A  possession  of  the  Paynims  thou  oughtest  not  to  be. 
In  battle  should  a  Christian  forever  carry  thee. 
Ah,  may  no  man  that  bears  thee  ever  have  a  coward's  name, 
For  many  were  the  nations  that  with  thee  I  overcame, 
Wherein  doth  reign  King  Charlemagne  with  the  great  beard 

like  a  flower. 
Strong  thereby  is  the  Emperor  and  full  of  utter  power." 

CLXXVI     When  Roland  knew  his  death  hour  how  hard  on 

him  it  pressed, 

And  that  death  was  slowly  creeping  from  his  brow  unto  his 
Under  a  pine  he  hastened,  and  down  his  body  laid  [breast, 

On  the  green  grass.    Beneath  him  he  placed  his  horn  and  blade. 
And  unto  the  great  land  of  Spain  he  turned  his  head  away. 
He  did  the  thing  for  sore  he  yearned  that  Charlemagne  might 

say 

And  all  his  host :    "  A  conqueror  the  gallant  Count  has  died." 
And  he  made  confession  duly  and  for  forgiveness  cried, 
And  his  glove  to  God  he  offered  for  the  ill  deeds  he  had  done. 

CLXXVII     When  well  had  Roland  seen  it  that  his  time  of  life 

was  gone, 

There  abode  he  on  the  mountain-peak  that  turneth  unto  Spain ; 
There  with  one  hand  his  bosom  he  smote  on  it  amain  : 

*'  Forgive  Thou  mine  iniquities  of  Thy  mercy  one,  and  all, 
All  of  my  evil  doings,  the  great  ones  and  the  small 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  99 

That  I  have  done  upon  the  earth  since  the  day  that  I  was  born 
Unto  this  day,  wherein  I  was  much  smitten  and  forlorn." 

His  right  glove  to  God  in  Heaven  he  reached  it  up  on  high, 
And  God  His  angels  to  him  flew  down  out  of  the  sky. 


CLXXVIII     Count  Roland  neath  a  pine.-tree  down  on  the 

ground  has  lain, 

And  far  away  he  turned  his  glance  unto  the  land  of  Spain. 
And  many  things  together  were  remembered  of  the  knight: 
What  a  great  store  of  nations  he  had  conquered  in  the  fight. 
He  thought  on  the  sweet  land  of  France  and  of  his  kindred  dear, 
And  on  Charlemagne  his  master  that  erewhile  did  him  rear. 
And  he  could  not  keep  from  sobbing,  and  he  wept  in  his  distress. 
Yet  he  let  not  his  spirit  perish  in  forget  fulness. 
For  he  prayed  to  God  for  mercy,  and  his  guilt  aloud  he  cried 
Clearly  to  God : 

"  Ah  very  God  that  never  yet  hath  lied, 

Ah,  God !  who  brought  Saint  Lazarus  in  glory  from  the  grave, 
Who  succor  'gainst  the  lion  to  the  Prophet  Daniel  gave, 
Guard  me  from  evil  and  the  sins  within  my  life  that  stand." 
He  strove  to  God  to  proffer  the  glove  of  his  right  hand, 
But  from  him  was  it  taken  by  the  Angel  Gabriel.  [fell! 

The  head  of  the  Count  Roland  on  his  shoulder  drooped  and 
His  hands  were  crossed  together  as  his  end  came  over  him ; 
But  God  hath  sent  unto  him  His  holy  cherubim. 
Saint  Michael-of-the-Peril-of-the-Sea  was  come  likewise 
With  Gabriel,  and  Roland  they  bore  up  to  Paradise.  //  / 

^  v  ^ 

CLXXIX     Roland  is  dead.     His  spirit  hath  God  in  Heaven 
The  Emperor  to  Roncevaux  with  the  army  came  again,      [ta'en. 


T, 
_v 


100  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

Nor  track,  nor  path,  nor  open  space,  nor  grove,  nor  a  foot  of 

ground 

Was  there  but  the  dead  Paynims  and  the  dead  Franks  were 

found. 

"  Where  art  thou,  my  fair  nephew?"  called  the  Emperor 
'  hastily, 

"  Where  now  is  the  Archbishop  ?    Olivier  where  is  he  ? 
Gerier,  Gerin,  Othon  and  the  Count  Berengier? 
And  Ivoris  and  Ivo  that  are  to  me  so  dear? 
What  matter  doth  to  Engelier  of  Gascony  betide? 
What  hath  befallen  Samson  and  Ansei's  full  of  pride? 
Gerard  the  Lord  of  Roussillon,  where  may  the  old  man  be? 
The  twelve  peers  of  the  army  that  I  left  behind  with  thee?" 
What  profits  it?     Was  no  one  to  answer  and  reply,     [am  I 

"  Christ  God !"  said  the  King  Charlemagne,  "  In  evil  case 
That  I  was  not  come  thither  when  this  hard  fight  began."  [man. 
^_  {  He  plucked  and  tore  at  his  great  beard  as  doth  an  angry 
And  sore* he  wept,  and  with  him  all  the  horsemen  of  the  Franks. 
There  were  twenty  thousand  on  the  ground  that  fainted  in  the 
For  whom  exceeding  pity  did  the  Duke  Neimes  bear.  [ranks', 

- 

CLXXX     There  was  not  any  chevalier  nor  any  baron  there, 
That  for  duty  and  for  sorrow  but  was  weeping  without  end, 
For  son  and  brother  and  nephew,  for  liege  lord  and  for  friend. 
Upon  the  ground  had  fallen  in  a  swound  the  greater  part. 
But  now  did  the  Duke  Neimes  like  a  man  of  gallant  heart. 

"  Two  leagues  from  us  look  onwards,"  he,  first  of  all,  did  say 
To  Charlemagne,  "  Thou  mayst  behold  the  dust  rise  in  the  way. 
There  is  a  host  remaining  yet  to  the  Paynim  foe. 
March  on,  my  master  Charlemagne.    Do  thou  avenge  our  woe." 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  101 

"  God !"  said  the  King,  "  Already  are  they  far  upon  their 

flight. 

Let  every  man  strive  to  restore  mine  honor  and  my  right. 
Of  the  French  realm  the  flower  they  have  snatched  it  from  mine 
To  Geboin  and  Otho  the  King  gave  his  command       [hand." 
And  to  Tybalt  of  Rheims,  moreover,  and  Milo  the  good  Count. 

"  Guard  ye  the  field  of  battle,  the  valley  and  the  mount. 
Even  as  they  fell  in  battle  do  ye  now  let  them  lie. 
Unto  them  let  no  lion  nor  any  beast  draw  nigh, 
Nor  squire,  nor  knave,  nor  any  man  shall  to  the  place  come  near, 
Until  by  God's  good  pleasure  the  host  returneth  here." 

"  Just  Emperor !     We  will  do  thy  will."     They  answered 

softly  then 

Of  their  great  love.     They  kept  with  them  a  thousand  of  their 

men. 

CLXXXI     King  Charlemagne  thereafter  let  all  his  trumpets 

blow. 

Then  forth  with  all  the  line  of  war  did  the  great  Emperor  go. 
Upon  the  traces  of  the  foe  then  did  the  army  fall. 
In  the  hard  chase  of  the  Paynims  they  hastened  one  and  all. 
But  when  that  night  was  coming  on  King  Charlemagne  had 
lie  alighted  in  a  meadow  upon  the  grasses  green.  [seen, 

He  bowed  to  earth.     He  prayed  to  God  that  the  sun's  course 

He  would  stay, 

That  the  night  still  might  tarry  and  yet  remain  the  day. 
And  lo !  an  angel  that  was  wont  to  speak  with  him  at  hand. 
Unto  the  Emperor  Charlemagne  swiftly  he  gave  command. 
"  Charlemagne,  march !     In  no  way  the  light  shall  fail  for 

thee. 
God  knoweth  thou  hast  lost  the  flower  of  the  Frankish  chivalry. 


102  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

Vengeance  upon  the  caitiff  race  is  given  thee  indeed." 

When  the  Emperor  had  heard  it,  he  leaped  upon  the  steed. 

^^ 

CLXXXII     Now  God  for  the  King  Charlemagne  a  miracle 

hath  done, 

For  in  the  sky  unmoving  a  space  remained  the  sun.  [on ; 

And  the  Paynims  fled ;  the  Frenchmen  hard  on  their  heels  came 
And  in  the  Vale  of  Darkness  they  o'ertook  them  in  their  flight. 
On  to  Saragossa  they  smote  them  in  the  fury  of  their  might. 
Ever  the  Franks  marched  slaying,  dealing  great  strokes   of 

wrath, 

And  they  blocked  up  every  highway  and  every  bridle-path. 
The  Waters  of  the  Ebro  are  before  the  foe  at  last. 
Exceeding  deep  is  the  river  and  the  current  wondrous  fast. 
There  was  no  barge,  nor  dromondj,  nor  ferry  by  the  shore. 
Beseechingly  the  Paynims  began  straightway  to  implore 
Termagant  their  god  for  succor.     And  therewith  plunged  they 
But  in  no  way  or  fashion  deliverance  might  they  win.  [in 

Of  them  that  were  armed  heavily  at  once  a-many  sank, 
And  many  struck  out  vainly  to  reach  the  other  bank. 
Down  stream  some  swam.    The  luckiest  a  deal  of  water  drank 
And  in  great  pain  and  anguish  they  all  were  cast  away. 
Said  the  Franks :    "  Ye  looked  on  Roland  in  a  very  evil  day." 

CLXXXIII     Then  Charles  looked  on  the  Paynims  that  dead 

lay  all  around, 

Some  that  were  slain  in  battle  and  the  other  moiety  drowned. 
His  cavaliers  much  treasure  in  that  hard  fight  had  ta'en, 
And  the  good  King  descended  from  off  the  steed  again. 
He  bowed  to  earth  and  gramercy  unto  his  God  he  said. 
And  when  he  rose  from  prayer  at  last  the  sun  had  fled. 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  103 

Charlemagne  spake: 

"  The  hour  for  camping  doth  betide. 
I  deem  that  it  is  overlate  to  Roncevaux  to  ride. 
Our  steeds  are  worn  and  weary.    Loose  the  bridle  and  the  selle. 
Let  them  rest  them  in  the  meadows." 

Said  the  Franks :    "  Thou  sayest  well." 


CLXXXIV     Twixt    Valterne^  and    the    Ebro    camped    the 

Emperor  Charlemagne. 

The  Franks  thereby  dismounted  in  the  middle  of  the  plain. 
They  took  the  golden  bridles  and  the  saddles  from  the  steeds. 
Where  was  abundance  of  green  grass  they  loosed  them  in  the 

meeds. 

More  they  might  not  do  for  them.    So  weary  was  each  wight_ 
That  he  fell  asleep  upon  the  ground.     No  watch  was  set  that 

night. 


CLXXXV     The  Emperor  in  the  meadow  upon  the  earth  him 
Beside  his  head  in  that  hour  he  put  his  mighty  blade.  [laid. 

He  would  not  in  that  night  put  off  the  armor  that  he  bore. 
The  white-embroidered  hauberk  likewise  the  Emperor  wore. 
He  had  laced  on  the  good  helmet  with  the  gold  and  jewels  brave. 
He  had  girt  on  the  sword  Joyous — was  never  such  a  glaive; 
And  there  shot  thirty  different  hues  each  day  from  the  great 

sword. 

We  have  heard  of  the  lance  that  wounded  upon  the  cross  our 

Lord. 

By  God  His  grace  the  spear-head  was  come  to  Charlemagne's 

hand. 
He  had  it  wrought  into  the  gold  of  the  pommel  of  the  brand. 


104  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

For  that  glory  and  that  goodness,  Joyous  the  sword  was  hight, 
And  it  should  not  be  forgotten  of  any  Frankish  knight, 
For  thereby  the  great  battle-cry  the  shout  Mountjoy  have 
Wherefore  no  other  nation  may  face  them  in  the  fray.         [they, 

CLXXXVI     Clear  was  the  night  and  the  moon  shone,  and  the 

King  lay  down  to  rest; 

But  for  Olivier  and  Roland  grief  lay  heavy  on  his  breast, 
And  the  twelve  peers  and  the  Frenchmen  in  their  blood  at 

Roncevaux. 

Nor  could  he  keep  from  weeping  and  sobbing  in  his  woe.       [war, 
He  prayed  God  to  keep  their  spirits.     He  was  weary  from  the 
For  great  had  been  his  labor.    He  slept.    He  could  no  more. 
And  over  all  the  meadows  the  Franks  lay  fast  asleep. 
There  was  no  steed  that  longer  upon  his  feet  could  keep. 
An  he  wanted  grass  he  cropped  it,  where'er  he  down  had  lain. 
He  hath  learned  a  very  mighty  thing  who  under standeth  pain.     H 

CLXXXVII     Charles  slept  like  to  a  laborer  with  labor  that 

is  spent; 

And  the  Lord  God  Saint  Gabriel  unto  the  Emperor  sent. 
To  watch  beside  King  Charlemagne,  God  gave  him  His  com- 
mand. 

And  all  night  long  by  the  King's  head  the  angel  took  his  stand ; 
And  he  spake  and  told  the  Emperor  in  a  vision  of  the  night, 
Concerning  a  great  battle  that  against  him  they  would  fight. 
And  all  the  grievous  meaning  of  the  battle  he  made  plain. 
High  up  into  the  heavens  looked  the  Emperor  Charlemagne. 
He  saw  the  frost  and  the  whirlwinds  and  the  thunder  where 

they  played, 
The  storms  and  wondrous  tempests,  and  flames  of  fire  arrayed. 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  105 

And  lo !  upon  his  army  fell  that  portent  in  a  flash. 
Afire  were  all  the  lances  of  apple- wood  and  ash, 
And  all  the  shields  were  flaming  to  the  buckles  of  pure  gold, 
And  likewise  the  good  war-swords  and  the  keen  pikes  manifold. 
And  grated^ all  the  hauberks,  and  the  steel  helms  ground  again. 
His  liegemen  in  their  anguish  appeared  to  Charlemagne. 
Leopards  were  fain  to  eat  them,  and  likewise  many  a  bear. 
Serpents  and  wiverns,  dragons,  and  the  foul  fiends  were  there, 
And  thirty  thousand  gryphons.    A  fell  attack  they  made 
Upon  the  Franks  that  snouted :    "King  Charlemagne  give  aid !" 
And  the  heart  of  the  Emperor  was  filled  with  pity  and  with  woe. 
Fain  had  he  gone,  but  there  was  that  that  would  not  let  him  go. 
Forth  from  a  wood  a  lion  came  before  him  in  his  might. 
Furious  and  full  of  pride  was  he  and  dreadful  to  the  sight. 
On  the  King's  very  body  the  lion  leaped  amain.  [twain. 

Locked  arm  by  arm  in  the  struggle  wrestled  and  strove  the 
And  none  knew  which  should  conquer,  nor  which  of  them  should 
The  Emperor  from  his  vision  awakened  not  at  all.  [fall. 

s^ 

CLXXXVIII     Thereafter  another  vision  was  given  him  to  see. 
At  Aix  in  France  beside  a  stair  he  deemed  himself  to  be. 
And  the  King  thought  by  a  double  chain  he  held  a  mighty  bear ; 
And  forth  to  him  from  Arden  did  thirty  others  fare. 
Each  spoke  as  a  man  speaketh.    They  said  unto  the  King. 

"  Sire,  yield  him  now  unto  us.    It  is  not  a  righteous  thing 
For  thee  to  keep  our  kinsman.    And  we  will  aid  him  here." 

Then  forth  from  out  the  palace  a  greyhound  did  appear. 
On  the  green  grass  he  grappled  with  the  bear  of  greatest  might 
Before  his  mates,  and  Charlemagne  beheld  a  marvellous  fight. 
But  he  knew  not  which  should  conquer  and  which  should  lose 
So  much  unto  the  hero  God's  angel  did  display.  [the  fray. 

Charles  slept  until  the  morning  and  the  clear  break  of  day. 


106  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

CLXXXIX     His  flight  to  Saragossa  King  Marsile  good  hath 

made. 

He  dismounted  from  the  charger  'neath  an  olive  in  the  shade. 
He  hath  pulled  off  the  hauberk  and  the  helmet  and  the  sword. 
And  down  he  lay  in  disarray  upon  the  fair  green-sward. 
His  right  hand  had  he  lost,  and  cleft  at  the  shoulder  full  in 

twain 

Was  his  right  arm.    He  fainted  from  loss  of  blood  and  pain. 
Bramimonde  his  wife  before  him  wept  and  shrieked  lamenting 

sore. 

About  the  King  were  gathered  thirty  thousand  men  and  more. 
Charlemagne  and  the  sweet  French  realm  they  cursed  them  all 
And  then  unto  Apollo  in  his  grotto  did  they  run.  [and  one. 

They  heaped  reproaches  on  him  and  many  an  evil  name : 

"  Ah,  evil  god !     Now  wherefore  hast  thou  brought  on  us 

this  shame? 

Why  didst  thou  let  our  lord  the  King  be  beaten  in  the  fight, 
Who  served  thee  well?     And  wherefore  didst  thou  him  so  ill 

requite?" 

Therewith  his  crown  and  sceptre  from  Apollo  have  they 
By  his  hands  unto  a  column  they  hanged  him  up  amain,  [ta'en. 
Then  in  their  wrath  beneath  their  feet  they  trampled  him  and 

trod, 

And  with  great  staves  they  beat  him,  and  in  pieces  tore  the  god. 
His  carbuncle  from  Termagant  have  the  angry  Paynims  torn, 
And  they  have  hurled  Mahomet  into  a  foss  forlorn.          [ground. 
The  dogs  devoured  him,  and  the  swine  trampled  him  on  the 

CXC     At  length  hath  the  King  Marsile  awakened  from  his 

swound. 

Himself  to  his  vaulted  chamber  he  commanded  them  to  bear. 
Painting  and  colored  writing  a  mighty  store  was  there. 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  107 

Tearing  her  locks  Queen  Bramimonde  on  her  evil  plight  did  cry 
With  many  tears.    A  word  she  spake  in  a  loud  voice  and  high: 

"  How  art  thou,  Saragossa,  robbed  and  dispoiled  this  day 
Of  the  great  King  and  glorious  who  o'er  thee  bore  the  sway. 
Our  gods  have  played  the  traitor,  who  failed  us  utterly 
In  the  fight  this  morn.    The  Amiral  a  coward  will  he  be, 
If  he  cometh  not  the  battle  with  that  fiery  stock  to  bear, 
That  are  so  hardy-hearted  that  of  life  they  have  no  care. 
King  Charlemagne  the  Emperor,  with  the  great  beard  like  a 

flower, 

Hath  the  rashness  of  great  courage  and  all  a  hero's  power. 
Wheresoe'er  he  giveth  battle,  he  never  giveth  way. 
It  is  great  woe  that  no  one  may  be  found  that  King  to  slay." 


CXCI     Because   of  his   good   courage   the   Emperor   Charle- 
magne 

Had  been  the  full  of  seven  year  within  the  realm  of  Spain. 
He  had  taken  many  a  city,  and,  moreover,  many  a  hold^ 
Wherefore  was  the  King  Marsile  filled  with  trouble  manifold. 
And  he  let  seal  his  letters  ere  the  first  year  was  spent, 
And  into  Babylonia  to  Baligant  he  sent. 
An  ancient  man  was  Baligant,  of  an  old  time  and  year. 
Homer  himself  and  Virgil  were  outlived  of  the  Emir. 
Marsile  to  Saragossa  begged  him  his  aid  to  bear. 
And  if  he  should  not  do  it  his  gods  he  would  forswear, 
And  all  his  idols  also  that  his  wont  was  to  adore ; 
To  Christianity  the  Holy,  himself  he  would  give  o'er.          [made, 
He  was  right  fain  with  Charlemagne  that  a  treaty  should  be 
For  Baligant  was  far  away  and  a  great  while  had  delayed. 
To  the  men  of  his  forty  kingdoms  gave  Baligant  command 
His  dromonds  and  his  galleons  to  get  ready  to  his  hand, 


108  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

And  many  a  barge  and  pinnace,  and  ships  of  all  degree. 

There  was  at  Alexandria  a  port  upon  the  sea. 

The  Amiral  got  ready  the  ships  of  his  array. 

On  the  first  day  of  summer,  and  in  the  month  of  May 

The  whole  of  his  great  armament  embarked  and  went  its  way. 


CXCII     Oh  very  great  and  mighty  was  that  Paynim  host  of 
And  they  sailed  very  swiftly,  and  ever  on  they  bore.  [war, 

And  set  upon  the  yard-arms  and  at  every  main-mast  head 
Were  carbuncles  and  lanterns  that  such  a  lustre  shed 
That,  when  was  come  the  evening,  the  sea  grew  lovelier. 
And  when  at  last  upon  the  coast  of  the  Spanish  land  they  were, 
Then  all  the  land  was  lighted  with  the  fire  and  the  flame, 
And  the  tidings  of  their  coming  to  the  King  Marsile  came. 


CXCIII     That  great  host  of  the  Paynims  would  in  no  way 

stop  or  stay. 

They  left  the  salt  sea  waters.     Into  the  fresh  came  they 
And  Marbrise  town  and  Marbros,  they  left  them  both  behind. 
Up  the  channel  of  the  Ebro  did  all  that  navy  wind. 
At  the  mast-head  and  tht  yard-arm  was  many  a  lantern-light 
And  carbuncle,  great  brightness  that  gave  them  in  the  night. 
And  unto  Saragossa  at  day-break  drew  they  on. 


CXCIV     Then  clearly  broke  the  morning  and  brightly  shone 
The  Amiral  from  his  galley  came  forth  unto  the  land,     [the  sun. 
Beside  him  Espanelis  walked  on  at  his  right  hand. 
Kings  there  were  seen  full  seventeen  that  after  him  did  fare. 
Of  counts  and  dukes  I  know  not  how  many  were  come  there. 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  109 

And  in  the  middle  of  a  field  under  a  laurel's  shade, 
On  the  green  grass  a  tapestry  of  purest  white  was  laid. 
Thereon  of  the  fair  ivory  was  set  a  high-seat  good, 
Where  sate  Baligant  the  Paynim ;  but  all  the  others  stood. 
And  their  Lord  King  unto  them  now  made  his  meaning  clear : 
"  Ho,  all  ye  free  and  gallant  knights,  now  hearken  and  give 

ear. 

King  Charles  the  Emperor  of  the  Franks  shall  eat  nor  bite  nor 
Till  I  have  given  my  command  to  him  to  take  it  up.  [SUP 

He  hath  warred  long  in  the  land  of  Spain.     But  battle  will  I 

give 

To  him  in  the  sweet  realm  of  France  as  long  as  I  shall  live, 
Till  he  be  dead,  or  a  recreant  hath  yielded  him  to  me."         [knee. 
And  with  the  glove  of  his  right  hand  lightly  he  smote  his 


CXCV     When  Baligant  had  said  it,  his  will  so  strong  had 

grown 

For  all  the  gold  beneath  the  heaven  the  King  had  not  forgone 
Marching  on  Aix,  where  justice  was  done  by  Charles  the  King. 
His  henchmen  when  they  heard  it  counseled  likewise  the  thing. 
Clarien  and  Clarif an,  two  knights,  he  summoned  to  him  there  : 

"  Ye  sons  of  the  King  Maltraien  who  was  wont  my  word  to 
With  right  good  will ;  I  bid  you  to  Saragossa  go,  [bear 

And  speak  unto  King  Marsile  that  my  coming  he  may  know. 
Against  the  Franks,  in  war-array  have  I  come  to  succor  him. 
If  I  come  on  them,  a  battle  there  will  be  both  great  and  grim. 
Give  him  the  glove  gold-broidered.     Do  it  on  the  King's  right 

hand 

And  give  him  this  fine  golden  staff.  When  his  duty  for  his  land 
He  doth  by  me,  to  fight  in  France  with  Charlemagne  will  I  fare. 
An  he  beg  not  mercy  at  my  feet  and  Christian  law  forswear, 


110  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

Then  forthwith  will  I  take  away  the  crown  from  off  his  head." 
"  Oh  Sire,  thou  sayest  wondrous  well,"  thereto  the  Paynims 

said. 

CXCVI     To  his  messengers  said  Baligant: 

"  To  ride  doth  you  behove. 
The  staff  let  one  now  carry.    Let  the  other  bear  the  glove." 

And  they  answered  him :     "  Dear  master,  we  will  even  do 

the  same." 

Then  forth  they  rode  so  hard  that  they  to  Saragossa  came. 
Through  ten  gates  have  they  ridden,  o'er  bridges  four  as  well. 
And  all  the  street  have  they  traversed  wherein  the  burghers 
But  when  unto  the  summit  of  the  city  they  drew  near,         [dwell. 
By  the  palace  a  great  bruit  fell  loud  upon  their  ear. 
Enow  of  Paynims  shrieked  and  wept  and  mighty  woe  displayed. 
Of  their  gods  Mahound  and  Termagant  a  sore  complaint  they 

made, 

And  moreover  of  Apollo,  whence  they  got  no  help  at  all. 
Said  each  to  each : 

"  Unfortunate,  what  now  shall  us  befall. 

Confusion  is  upon  us.    Marsile  from  us  is  reft.  [cleft. 

Through  the  hand  of  the  King  Marsile  hath  the  Count  Roland 
Nor  have  we  left  unto  us  even  Jorfaleu  the  fair. 
All  Spain  is  theirs !" 

The  messengers  dismounted  at  the  stair. 


CXCVII     Beneath   an   olive-tree   got   down  those  messengers 

amain ; 

And  two  Saracens  thereafter  took  from  them  their  horses  twain. 
And  arm-in-arm  together  with  their  tidings  on  they  went. 
To  the  high  part  of  the  palace  the  two  their  footsteps  bent. 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  111 

Into  the  vaulted  chamber  they  entered  there  above, 

And  their  wicked  salutation  they  gave  there  in  all  love :      [lord 

"  Now  may  Mahound  that  ruleth  us,  and  Apollo  our  good 

And  Termagant  protect  the  King,  and  the  Queen  watch  and 

Said  Bramimonde :  [ward." 

"  Great  folly  now  do  I  hear  thee  say. 

Our  gods  are  knaves.    At  Roncevaux  most  evil  deeds  did  they. 
They  let  of  our  true  Paynims  be  slaughtered  many  a  knight. 
And  my  own  dear  Lord  Marsile,  they  failed  him  in  the  fight. 
Smitten  off  was  the  King's  right  hand.     Yea,  right  hand  hath 

he  none. 

'Twas  by  the  fierce  Count  Roland  that  the  dreadful  deed  was 

done. 

King  Charles  will  gain  the  whole  of  Spain.    Ah,  full  of  woe  and 

dread ! 
What  will  befall  me?    Woe  is  me,  that  none  will  strike  me  dead." 


CXCVIII     And  Clariens  answered: 

"  Lady,  speak  not  so  high  and  free. 
Of  Baligant  the  Paynim  the  messengers  are  we. 
He  saith  he  will  ward  King  Marsile.    He  sendeth  here  beside 
His  staff  and  glove.    In  Ebro  four  thousand  galleons  ride, 
And  skiffs  there  be,  and  barges  and  galleys  swift  as  well. 
The  number  of  the  dromonds  I  know  not  how  to  tell. 
The  Amiral  is  stalwart  and  a  great  man  of  might, 
And  he  will  hasten  into  France  with  Charlemagne  to  fight. 
And  either  will  he  slay  him,  or  make  him  beg  for  grace." 
Said  Bramimonde : 

"  The  venture  will  be  found  in  evil  case. 
The  Amiral  may  lightly  come  on  the  Franks  more  near. 
They  have  been  here  already  the  space  of  seven  year. 


112  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

The  Emperor  is  gallant,  of  a  great  heart  and  high. 
Ere  from  the  field  he  flieth,  in  the  battle  he  will  die.          [worth. 
No  King  'neath  heaven,  but  Charlemagne  deems  him  a  babe  in 
The  Emperor  feareth  no  man  that  liveth  on  the  earth." 


CXCIX     And  forthwith  the  King  Marsile  said  unto  her : 

"  Let  be." 

He  spake  unto  the  messengers :    "  Speak  now,  my  lords,  to  me. 
Ye  see  already  I  am  doomed.     Son  or  daughter,  none  remain, 
Nor  any  heir,  though  one  I  had.    Yestereven  was  he  slain. 
Bid  my  lord  come  and  see  me.    He  ruleth  Spain  of  right. 
An  he  desire  I  will  yield  it  him,  but  for  it  let  him  fight 
Against  the  French.    Good  counsel  I  will  give  him  for  the  fray 
With  Charlemagne  that  may  be  dead  in  a  month's  time  from 
With  the  keys  of  Saragossa  to  the  Emir  do  ye  hie !         [this  day. 
Say  to  him,  if  he  will  trow_me,  that  Charles  will  never  fly." 
"  Sire,  thou  hast  spoken  truly,"  did  the  messengers  reply. 


CC     And  then  said  the  King  Marsile : 

"  The  Emperor  Charlemagne 

Hath  wasted  all  the  country  and  my  liegemen  hath  he  slain. 
And  my  cities  he  hath  battered,  and  in  their  ruins  laid. 
For  his  army  on  the  Ebro  his  camp-ground  hath  he  made. 
And  from  this  city  to  that  place  but  seven  leagues  there  are. 
Let  the  Amiral  lead  thither  his  mighty  host  of  war. 
Bid  him  for  me  for  battle  the  gear  of  fight  to  don." 

The  keys  of  Saragossa,  he  gave  to  them  each  one. 
At  that  the  two  embassadors  before  the  King  bowed  low. 
They  took  their  leave  and  at  his  word  together  did  they  go. 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  113 

CCI     And  thereon  the  embassadors  got  them  upon  the  steed, 
And  forth  out  of  the  city  they  issued  with  all  speed. 
To  their  Emir  they  went  in  fear  and  gave  to  him  amain 
The  keys  of  Saragossa.     Spake  the  King  unto  the  twain: 

"  What  have  ye  found !     And  Marsile  that  I  summoned, 

And  Clariens  gave  answer:  [where  is  he?" 

"  He  is  wounded  mortally. 

Within  the  mountain  passes  was  the  Emperor  yesterday. 
For  into  the  sweet  land  of  France  he  yearned  to  take  the  way. 
And  for  the  greater  honor  a  rear-guard  he  arrayed. 
Roland  the  Count  his  nephew  there  in  the  passes  stayed, 
And  Olivier,  and  the  twelve  peers,  and  there  beside  them  then 
Of  the  land  of  France  were  gathered  twenty  thousand  armed 

men. 

And  the  King  Marsile  fought  them  like  a  good  man  of  might. 
He  met  with  the  Count  Roland  upon  the  field  of  fight. 
With  Durendal  Count  Roland  such  a  buffet  to  him  gave 
That  the  right  arm  from  his  body  with  the  same  stroke  he  clave. 
And  the  son  that  the  King  held  so  dear  hath  Roland  smitten 
And  all  the  barons  likewise  that  to  the  fight  he  led.  [dead, 

King  Marsile  fled  thereafter.    Longer  he  might  not  bide. 
And  Charlemagne  the  Emperor  hard  on  his  heels  did  ride. 
He  bids  thee  aid  him.    He  will  yield  to  thee  the  realm  of  Spain." 

Baligant  thought.     On  madness  was  he  like  to  come  for 

pain. 


CCII     "  Sire  Amiral,"  said  Clariens,  "  In  a  fight  yesterday 
At  Roncevaux  Count  Roland  hath  fallen  in  the  fray, 
And  Olivier  with  the  twelve  peers  that  Charlemagne  loved  well ; 
And  twenty  thousand  Frenchmen  in  the  same  battle  fell. 


114  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

And,  moreover,  there  his  good  right  hand  hath  the  King  Mar- 

sile  lost. 

Hotly  the  Emperor  Charlemagne  pursued  after  his  host. 
No  longer  are  there  cavaliers  in  all  the  country  round 
That  are  not  slain  in  battle  or  in  the  Ebro  drowned,    [they  come 
Camped  are  the  Franks  upon  her  banks;     So  near  us  have 
Into  the  land,  but,  an  thou  wish,  hard  is  their  journey  home." 

Proud  was  the  look  of  Baligant.     His  heart  was  glad  and 
He  rose  up  from  the  high-seat  and  loudly  did  he  cry :  [high. 

"  Tarry  not,  issue  from  the  ships.     To  horse,  ye  barons 
And  ride !     Unless  already  King  Charlemagne  the  old         [bold, 
Is  stolen  hence,  this  very  day,  for  Marsile  vengeance  dread 
Will  I  take,  and  for  his  reft  right  hand  shall  he  have  King 

Charles  his  head." 

CCIII     Those  Paynims  of  Arabia  out  of  their  ships  came  they; 
The  mules  and  steeds  they  mounted,  and  out  they  rode  away. 
What  might  they  more?     The  Amiral,  when  he  had  sped  them 
Gemalfin  his  companion  unto  himself  did  call :  [all, 

"  I  give  into  thy  keeping  the  rule  of  all  my  power." 

Upon  a  great  brown  charger  he  mounted  in  that  hour. 
And  thence  together  with  him  four  mighty  dukes  he  led, 
And  unto  Saragossa  without  a  halt  they  sped. 
At  the  great  stairs  of  marble  they  descended  from  their  mounts. 
The  stirrup  of  the  Amiral  was  holden  of  four  counts. 
By  the  stairway  of  the  palace  they  mounted  up  on  high. 
And  Bramimonde  came  running : 

"  How  miserable  am  I ! 

In  what  great  shame  my  master  is  cast  away !"  she  said, 
"  Charles'  nephew  hath  confounded  and  smitten  Marsile  dead." 
At  his  feet  she  fell.    The  Amiral  hath  raised  her  up  again. 
Unto  the  upper  chamber  in  sorrow  went  the  twain. 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  115 

CCIV     When  Marsile  had  seen  Baligant,  in  a  loud  voice  he 
Unto  two  Spanish  Saracens,  "  Take  me  on  either  side          [cried 
And  raise  me  up."    A  gauntlet  he  took  in  his  left  hand. 
Said  Marsile: 

"  My  Lord  Amiral,  all  of  the  Spanish  land 
I  yield  thee,  and  Saragossa  and  all  that  hangs  thereby. 
I  have  ruined  all  the  people,  and  a  ruined  man  am  I." 

And  Baligant  gave  answer : 

"  And  therefore  woe  is  me. 

But  now  I  cannot  tarry  to  parley  long  with  thee. 
I  know  full  well  my  coming  is  unknown  to  Charlemagne. 
However,  this  same  gauntlet  I  will  take  from  thee  again." 

And  for  the  sorrow  that  he  had,  weeping  he  turned  him 

there. 

Forth  out  of  Marsile's  palace  he  descended  on  the  stair. 
He  rode  so  hard  that  forth  he  came  before  the  foremost  ranks, 
Shouting  as  he  came :  "  On,  Paynims !  Already  flee  the  Franks." 

CCV     And  early  in  the  morning,  when  first  the  dawning  broke, 

Then  Charlemagne  the  Emperor  from  his  deep  sleep  awoke. 

Saint  Gabriel,  that  by  him  for  the  guard  of  God  had  stayed, 

Lifted  his  hand  and  o'er  him  the  sacred  sign  he  made. 

Up  rose  the  King  and  in  the  place  he  let  his  armor  lie. 

The  others  of  the  army  likewise  their  arms  put  by. 

And  then  to  horse  they  got  them  and  gallantly  did  ride 

A  long  way  on  those  mighty  tracks  and  on  the  highroads  wide. 

Forth  went  the  host  to  look  upon  that  wondrous  overthrow, 

Where  had  been  fought  the  battle  in  the  pass  at  Roncevaux. 

CCVI     Into  the  pass  at  Roncevaux  entered  King  Charlemagne. 
And  he  began  a-weeping  when  he  found  such  store  of  slain. 


116  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

He  said  unto  the  Frenchmen : 

"  Lords,  ride  not  hastily, 
For  to  go  on  before  you  it  now  behoveth  me, 
To  seek  him  whom  I  yearn  to  find,  even  my  nephew  dear. 
I  was  in  Aix  the  city  at  a  feast  that  fell  each  year.  [make. 

There,  of  great  fights  and  battles,  their  boasts  my  lads  did 
And  there  I  harkened  Roland  and  the  matter  that  he  spake ; 
If  he  e'er  in  the  strange  country  should  hap  in  fight  to  fall, 
His  comrades  and  his  henchmen,  he  would  excell  them  all ; 
Unto  his  foeman's  country  his  last  look  would  he  bend ; 
Like  a  hero  in  his  triumph  he  would  come  unto  his  end." 

Then,  farther  on  than  any  a  little  stave  might  throw, 
Up  a  hill  before  the  army  the  Emperor  did  go. 

CCVII     When  forth  to   seek  his   nephew  went  the  Emperor 

Charlemagne, 

Great  store  of  herbs  and  flowers  he  found  upon  the  plain, 
The  which  the  blood  vermilion  of  our  good  lords  did  steep. 
The  King  was  filled  with  pity,  nor  could  he  choose  but  weep. 
Under  a  tree  high  on  the  hill  at  last  the  Emperor  drew. 
The  strokes  of  the  Count  Roland  on  the  three  steps  he  knew. 
There  he  beheld  his  nephew  on  the  green  grass  where  he  lay. 
No  marvel  if  the  King  was  filled  with  anger  and  dismay. 
He  lighted  from  the  horse  and  ran  as  swiftly  as  might  be. 
The  body  of  Count  Roland  in  his  two  arms  took  he. 
Then  he  fainted  on  the  body,  so  grievous  was  his  pain. 

CCVIII     Out  of  his   swound  awakened  the  Emperor  Charle- 
magne. 

Count  Accelin,  Duke  Neimes,  Geoffrey  of  Anjou  forby, 
And  Geoffrey's  brother  Thierry  lifted  the  King  on  high, 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  117 

They  raised  him  underneath  a  pine,  to  earth  his   glance  he 
And  the  King  very  gently  began  to  mourn  aloud :  [bowed. 

"  Good  Roland,  in  his  mercy  may  the  good  God  thee  enfold. 
So  great  a  cavalier  as  thou  never  shall  man  behold, 
To  order  and  accomplish  the  great  deeds  of  the  fight. 
Now  greatly  doth  mine  honor  go  downward  from  the  height." 
There  swooned  again  King  Charlemagne.     He  could  not 

bear  the  thing. 

CCIX     At  last  out  of  his  dreadful  swound,  woke  Charlemagne 

the  King. 

There  were  four  of  the  King's  barons  by  the  hands  that  held 

him  high. 

He  looked  to  earth,  and  Roland  beheld  where  he  did  lie. 

Faded  was  the  red.    His  body  yet  looked  both  fair  and  stark. 

His  eyes  were  turned  within  his  head,  and  terrible  and  dark. 

And  Charlemagne  wept  for  him  in  perfect  faith  and  love : 

"  Roland !    God  keep  thy  spirit  in  His  place  of  flowers  above. 

Among  the  Saints  of  Heaven.    How  thou  earnest  to  ill  in  Spain ! 

Good  Captain !  not  a  day  shall  be  but  I  shall  suffer  pain 

For  thee.    My  strength  and  courage  are  fallen  in  the  sere. 

No  man  is  left  unto  me  to  keep  mine  honor  clear. 

Not  a  friend  under  heaven  is  left  unto  me  now. 

If  I  have  any  kinsmen,  is  none  so  brave  as  thou." 

And  with  both  hands  he  tore  his  hair.     So  great  their 

grief  did  grow, 

Of  an  hundred  thousand  Frenchmen  was  none  but  wept  for  woe. 

CCX     "  Friend  Roland,  I  will  go  to  France.    In  Laon  when  I 

stand, 
Within  my  chamber,  strangers  will  come  from  many  a  land 


118  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

They  will  ask  for  the  Count-Captain;  I  will  say  he  is  dead  in 

Spain. 

In  bitter  sorrow  thereafter  in  my  kingdom  shall  I  reign. 
No  day  shall  pass  but  I  shall  weep  and  groan  aloud  in 


CCXI     "  Roland !  my  friend !  oh  hero,  and  lovely  in  thy  youth, 
When  I  am  in  mine  own  chapel  in  the  town  of  Aix  once  more, 
Then  men  will  come  unto  me  asking  tidings  of  the  war, 
And  I  will  tell  them  tidings  most  marvellous  and  dread : 
He  who  was  wont  to  conquer,  my  nephew,  he  is  dead. 
Hereafter  shall  the  Saxons  rebel  against  my  grace, 
And  the  Huns  and  the  Bulgarians  and  many  another  race, 
The  Romans  and  Apulians,  and  the  men  of  Sicily, 
And  whosoe'er  in  Afric  and  Califerne  there  be. 
And  my  suffering  and  sorrow  shall  grow  from  hour  to  hour. 
What  man  can  guide  my  army  with  such  a  strength  and  power 
When  he  is  dead  that  at  the  head  thereof  was  wont  to  ride? 
Ah !  sweet  my  France,  how  utterly  a  waste  thou  shalt  abide ! 
I  have  so  great  a  sorrow  to  perish  am  I  fain."  [magne, 

And  then  to  rend  his  long  white  beard  began  King  Charle- 
And  with  both  hands,  moreover,  to  tear  and  pluck  his  hair. 
A  hundred  thousand  Frenchmen  on  the  ground  fainted  there. 

CCXII     "  Friend  Roland,  great  misfortune  thy  life  has  over- 
Therefore  thy  gallant  spirit  to  Paradise  has  passed.  [cast, 

He  who  slew  thee  all  the  land  of  France  has  smirched  exceeding 
I  am  so  full  of  sorrow  that  I  would  live  no  more,  [sore. 

For  the  slaughter  that  upon  my  house  because  of  me  was  done. 
But  to  God  I  make  this  prayer,  to  the  Holy  Virgin's  Son : 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  119 

Ere  to  the  Sizre  Passes  in  the  mount  I  make  my  way, 
May  the  spirit  from  my  body  depart  from  me  this  dayp^ 
And  with  theirs  may  now  this  soul  of  mine  be  sent  forth  to 
And  may  my  flesh  hereafter  be  forever  them  beside."          [abide, 

Then  he  wept  very  greatly  and  plucked  his  beard  again, 
Said  Duke  Neimes :    "  Heavy  sorrow  is  come  on  Charlemagne." 


CCXIII     "Ah!  grieve  not  so,  Lord  Emperor,"  Geoffrey  of 

Anjou  said, 

"  But  over  all  the  field  of  fight  let  now  search  out  our  dead 
That  there  were  slain  by  them  of  Spain,  and  command  them  to 
To  a  charnel-house."  [be  borne 

Then  said  the  King :    "  Now  blow  upon  thy  horn." 


CCXIV     And  straightway  Geoffrey  of  Anjou  upon  the  horn 

did  sound. 

Charles   gave   command.      The   Frenchmen   descended   to   the 

ground. 

And  all  of  their  companions  that  they  found  in  battle  slain 
Forthwith  unto  a  charnel-house  they  carried  them  amain. 
Of  bishops  and  of  abbots  there  was  a  mighty  store, 
Canons  and  clerks  and  parsons  that  tonsured  foreheads  bore. 
And  there  they  did  absolve  the  dead  and  bless  them  in  God's 

name. 

And  myrrh  and  precious  incense  they  lighted  with  the  flame. 
And  gallantly  they  censed  them  and  graved  in  noble  kind. 
Then — what  more  could  they?  forth  they  rode  and  left  the 

dead  behind. 


120  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

CCXV     A  watch  the  Emperor  Charlemagne  set  Roland's  body 

o'er, 

And  o'er  the  corpse  of  Olivier  and  of  Turpin  furthermore. 
Likewise  he  there  let  open  the  bodies  of  the  three, 
And  their  three  hearts,  moreover,  let  wrap  in  cramoigy. 
In  caskets  of  white  marble  the  hearts  they  then  did  lay. 
The  bodies  of  the  barons  they  carried  thence  away. 
They  lapped  them  well  in  leather  wrought  of  the  red-deer  hide, 
And  with  the  wine  and  spices  washed  them  and  purified. 
To  Tybalt  and  to  Geboin  and  Count  Milo  spake  the  King, 
And  likewise  Marquis  Otho  and  commanded  them  this  thing: 
"  Onward  in  three  chariots  do  ye  now  bear  them  forth." 
Well  were  the  bodies  covered  with  cloth  of  gold  of  worth. 


CCXVI     Now  was  the  Emperor  Charlemagne  set  in  his  heart 
When  there  arose  before  him  the  vanguards  of  the  foe.       [to  go. 
From  the  forefront  of  the  army  two  messengers  there  came 
For  to  denounce  the  battle  in  Baligant  his  name. 

"  Proud  King,  it  is  not  right  nor  meet  that  thou  shouldst 

now  go  back. 

Behold  the  Emir  Baligant,  that  rideth  on  thy  track. 
And  mighty  is  that  army  that  he  leads  from  Araby. 
This  day  shall  we  discover  if  there  be  strength  in  thee." 

King  Charlemagne  plucked  at  his  beard.     On  the  strange 

overthrow 

He  thought,  that  came  upon  him  in  the  fight  at  Roncevaux. 
He  looked  proudly  on  his  army.     Then  he  cried  with  all  his 

force : 

"  Arm  you,  ye  Frankish  barons,  and  straightway  get  to 

horse." 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  121 

CCXVII     The  Emperor  armed  him  foremost,  and  his  hauberk 

swift  did  don, 

And  laced  his  helm,  and  Joyous  the  great  sword  girded  on, 
That  bated  not  its  brightness  for  the  flaming  of  the  sun. 
And  a  Girondian  buckler  at  his  neck  the  King  did  hang. 
He  gripped  his  lance,  and  the  good  steel,  he  brandished  it  and 

swang. 

And  thereupon  he  mounted  on  the  great  horse  Ten9endor 
That  at  Marsonne  by  the  river-ford  he  won,  when  he  made  war 
On  Malpalin,  the  Narbonnese  that  by  the  King  was  slain. 
And  fierily  he  spurred  the  steed  and  loosed  the  bridle-rein. 
Before  an  hundred  thousand  men  at  a  gallop  did  he  come, 
Praising  God  and  his  Apostle,  who  hath  his  place  in  Rome. 


CCXVIII     Down  over  that  great  meadow  the  men  of  France 

did  ride. 

Were  more  than  an  hundred  thousand  that  armed  them  side  by 

side. 

Their  armor  well  becomes  them  and  swiftly  run  their  steeds. 
Fair  are  their  spears.     They  get  to  horse  and  are  ripe  for 

gallant  deeds. 

They  deem  there  will  be  a  battle,  if  they  come  upon  the  foe. 
Down  over  their  bright  helmets  the  gonfalons  hang  low. 
When  King  Charles  had  seen  their  faces  how  they  were  very 
Then  Josseran  of  Provence  he  summoned  to  him  there,         [fair, 
Anthelm  of  Maintz  and  Neimes : 

"  In  such  heroes  as  be  here 

A  man  should  trust.  He  is  a  fool  who  giveth  way  to  fear. 
If  their  coming  they  repent  not,  dear  shall  the  Arabs  buy 
Count  Roland's  death." 

"  God  grant  it  us,"  said  Neimes  in  reply. 


122  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

CCXIX     Charles  called  Guinemant  and  Rabel: 

"  To  you  I  give  command, 

My  lords,  in  the  place  of  Roland  and  Olivier  to  stand. 
One  shall  bear  the  sword,  and  the  other,  the  mighty  horn  of 
At  the  head  of  the  first  legion  do  ye  ride  out  before.  [war. 

And  fifteen  thousand  Frenchmen  shall  ride  along  with  you, 
The  young  men  of  the  army,  courageous  youths  and  true. 
And  after  you  shall  follow  as  many  more  beside; 
And  these  shall  the  two  marshals  Geboin  and  Lawrence  guide." 
Count  Josseran  and  Duke  Neimes  those  columns  did  array. 
If  they  come  upon  the  Paynims  there  will  be  a  fearful  fray. 


CCXX     French  are  the  first  two  columns.     When  stablished 

were  the  twain, 

Of  the  vassals  of  Bavaria  the  third  they  did  ordain. 
The  full  of  twenty  thousand  that  troop  was  deemed  to  be. 
There  was  not  one  among  them  that  from  a  fight  would  flee. 
Never  a  race  neath  heaven  more  dear  the  Emperor  knew 
Except  for  his  own  Frenchmen  that  the  kingdoms  overthrew. 
They  were  led  of  the  Dane  Ogier,  so  well  that  loved  the  fight. 
It  was  a  gallant  company  of  arrogance  and  might. 


CCXXI  With  Charlemagne  already  three  lines  of  battle 

stand. 

And  then  the  fourth  Duke  Neimes  got  ready  to  his  hand 

From  a  host  of  gallant  barons  that  had  great  chivalry. 

Germans  they  were,  or  gathered  from  the  March  of  Germany. 

Twenty  thousand  was  their  number  by  that  all  men  did  say. 

Well  armed  were  they  and  splendid  were  the  steeds  of  their 

array. 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  123 

They  flee  no  fight  for  fear  of  death,  and  Herman  doth  them 

lead, 

The  Duke  of  Thrace,  who  will  perish  e'er  he  doth  a  coward's 

deed. 

CCXXII     Count  Josseran  and  Duke  Neimes  forth  the  fifth 

battle  led. 

They  were  twenty  thousand  Normans  so  all  the  Frenchmen 

said. 

And  lovely  is  their  armor,  and  their  steeds  are  swift  to  run, 
And  ere  they  play  the  traitor  they  will  perish  every  one. 
Under  heaven  is  no  nation  so  much  can  undergo. 
Richard  the  Ancient  led  them,  that  could  smite  so  hard  a  blow. 

CCXXIII     The  sixth  array  were  Bretons  and  forty  thousand 

strong 

Were  the  knights.    Like  gallant  heroes  on  the  steeds  they  rode 

along. 

Aloft  they  bore  the  lances.    Laced  were  the  flags  of  war. 
The  master  of  that  army  the  name  of  Eudes  bore. 
But  unto  the  Count  Nivelon  his  place  the  man  gave  o'er, 
And  to  Tybalt  of  Rheims  and  Otho  the  Marquis  good  beside : 
"  A  gift  they  are  givea  to  you.    Do  ye  mine  army  guide." 

CCXXIV     Now  had  the  Emperor  six  brigades  and  the  Duke 

Neimes  drew 

The  seventh  up — the  barons  of  Auvergne  and  of  Poitou. 
They  might  be  forty  thousand  knights  with  steeds  and  armour 
Alone  within  a  valley  on  a  little  hill  they  stood.  [good. 

Charlemagne  in  benediction  with  his  right  hand  made  the  sign. 
Count  Josseran  and  Godselm  were  the  marshals  of  that  line. 


124  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

CCXXV     And  now  the  eighth,  Duke  Neimes  established  of 

the  bands 

Of  the  barons  of  the  Frisians  and  of  the  Netherlands.  [shun. 
Were  more  than  forty  thousand  knights  that  battle  would  not 
Then  said  the  King :  "  By  these  indeed  my  service  will  be 
Twixt  Rembolt  and  Count  Hamon  of  Galicia  there  lay  [done." 
The  right  to  lead  that  army  in  courage  through  the  fray. 


CCXXVI     Duke  Neimes   and  Count  Josseran  led  the  ninth 

troop  out  amain, 

The  gallant  men  of  Burgundy,  the  heroes  of  Lorraine. 
And  fifty  thousand  knights  by  count  were  there,  laced  helms 

that  wore 

And  hauberks  good.     Well-girded  swords  and  twofold  shields 

they  bore. 

Strong  are  the  spears,  short-hafted.    If  the  foe  flee  not  away, 
And  if  they  join  the  battle,  that  host  will  smite  to  slay. 
The  Duke  of  Argone,  Thierry,  was  their  captain  for  the  fray. 
And  in  the  tenth  good  company  was  many  a  Frankish  knight. 
There  were  an  hundred  thousand  of  the  best  men  of  our  might. 
And  proud  were  all  their  faces,  brawny  their  limbs  appeared, 
And  like  a  flower  was  every  head,  and  white  was  every  beard. 
In  hauberk  and  double-byrnie  every  man  of  them  was  clad. 
And  great  swords  belted  on  them  of  France  and  Spain  they  had. 
And  the  bucklers  that  they  carried  bore  many  a  cognizance. 
Strong  and  staunch  is  every  spear-shaft,  and  glorious  every 

lance. 

They  got  to  horse  and  shouted  for  the  fight  on  every  side, 
And  cried:     "Mount joy!"  for  Charlemagne  along  with  them 

did  ride. 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  125 

And  onwards  Geoffrey  of  Anjou  bore  the  great  Oriflame — 

Because  it  was  Saint  Peter's,  it  bore  the  Roman  name. 

But  that  they  changed,  and  now  Mount  joy  on  all  lips  it  became. 


CCXXVIII     Down  from  his  steed  the  Emperor  got.     On  the 

green  grass  did  he  kneel, 
And  turned  him  to  thej^ijsingjjun,  and  to  God  made  his  appeal : 

"  On  this  day,  my  very  Father,  do  Thou  aid  me  to  prevail, 
Thou  who  gavest  Jonas  succor  in  the  belly  of  the  whale, 
Thou  who  the  King  of  Nineveh  of  Thy  dear  grace  didst  save, 
And  Daniel  from  the  torment  of  the  lions  in  the  cave, 
And  in  the  fiery  furnace  didst  protect  the  children  three ; 
Upon  this  day  of  battle  may  Thy  love  be  over  me. 
And  if  it  please  Thee,  grant  me,  for  Thy  sweet  mercy's  sake, 
For  my  dear  nephew  Roland  great  vengeance  now  to  take." 

When  he  had  done  his  orison  on  his  feet  he  stood  upright, 
And  signed  upon  his  forehead  the  sign  of  wondrous  might. 
Upon  his  gallant  charger  he  mounted  with  a  spring ; 
And  Josseran  and  Neimes  held  the  stirrup  for  the  King. 
The  King  took  up  his  buckler  and  his  sharp  cutting  spear. 
Fair  and  mighty  was  his  body,  and  well  did  he  appear. 
And  clear  was  all  his  countenance,  and  fierce  he  rode  to  war, 
With  the  bellowing  horns  of  battle  behind  him  and  before. 
But  the  great  horn  of  Roland  was  roaring  over  all. 
And  all  the  Franks  were  weeping  for  the  sorrow  of  his  fall. 


CCXXIX     Fair  rode  King  Charles.     His  mighty  beard  he 

spread  his  armour  o'er. 
And  so  did  all  the  army  for  the  love  to  him  they  bore. 


126  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

An  hundred  thousand  Frenchmen  might  well  be  known  thereby. 
The  host  came  past  the  mountains  and  the  cliffs  that  were  so 

high; 

Through  the  deep  clefts  and  dread  defiles  on  did  the  army 

haste ; 

And  there  at  last  they  issued  from  the  passes  and  the  waste. 
So  took  they  their  way  onward  into  the  march  of  Spain, 
Until  at  last  they  halted  in  the  middle  of  a  plain. 
The  vanguard  of  the  Amiral  to  Baligant  they  sped. 
And  unto  him  a  Syrian  among  them  rose  and  said : 

"  We  have  seen  the  proud  King  Charlemagne.    His  men  are 

full  of  pride 

They  will  not  fail  him.    Arm  you !    For  battle  doth  betide." 
Said  Baligant : 

"  I  hear  a  tale  of  mighty  deeds  renowned 
That  my  men  may  understand  it,  let  now  the  trumpets  sound." 


CCXXX     Through  all  the  host  the  tabors  were  sounded  far 

and  near: 

They  blew  upon  the  war-horns  and  on  the  trumpets  clear. 
The  Paynims  all  dismounted  that  their  armour  they  might  don. 
The  Amiral  brooked  no  delay.    He  got  his  byrnie  on 
With  the  broidered  fringe,  and  laced  the  helm  where  bright  the 

good  gold  shone. 

And  then  forthwith  he  girded  the  sword  at  his  left  side. 
A  name  he  had  discovered  for  the  great  sword  in  his  pride, 
Because  of  the  blade  of  Charlemagne  whereof  he  heard  the  fame, 
And  therefore  "  Precious"  to  the  sword  he  had  given  for  a 
And  that  within  the  battle  was  aye  his  rallying-call ;  [name. 

And  evermore  his  cavaliers  shouted  it  one  and  all. 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  127 

About  his  neck  thereafter  a  mighty  shield  he  bound. 
Golden  was  all  the  buckle  with  cj^stalsjset  around.  [spear 

And  the  cord  was  of  the  good  red  silk ;  and  up  he  snatched  the 
Men  called  Maltet.    As  huge  and  thick  as  a  club  did  it  appear. 
The  steel  alone  a  burden  for  a  mule  had  been  indeed. 
Forthwith  the  Emir  Baligant  hath  mounted  on  his  steed. 
Marcules  held  his  stirrup,  the  man  from  over  sea. 
The  Amiral  was  splendid  to  behold  in  verity.  [his  side, 

Great  were  his  loins,  and  slim  his  flank,  and  broad  and  strong 
Well  wrought  and  fair  his  body.    His  chest  was  very  wide. 
Gigantic  were  his  shoulders,  and  clear  his  glance  and  fair, 
\  And  haughty  was  his  visage,  and  curling  was  his  hair. 
Even  as  a  flower  in  summer  his  countenance  was  white. 
He  had  proved  him  very  often  to  be  a  man  of  might. 
God !    What  a  splendid  hero,  an  a  christened  man  he  were. 
He  goaded  till  the  blood  ran  clear  his  charger  with  the  spur. 
He  ran  his  course,  and  o'er  a  trench  with  a  great  leap  did  he 
Fifty  feet  was  the  measure  thereof  from  side  to  side.  [ride. 

Said  the  Paynims : 

"  Yonder  Captain  may  well  his  marches  hold. 
Never  is  there-a  Frenchman  that  to  joust  with  him  is  bold, 
Or,  will  he  not  or  will  he,  shall  thereafter  bide  unslain. 
When  hence  he  did  not  flee  away  a  fool  was  Charlemagne." 


CCXXXI     Like  a  hero  was  the  Emir.    As  a  flower  his  beard 
The  wisdom  of  the  Paynims  he  understood  aright.       [was  white. 
Arrogant  was  his  spirit  and  furious  in  the  fight. 
Malprimis  his  son,  moreover,  was  a  hero  of  great  mark, 
Much  like  to  his  forefathers,  and  very  stout  and  stark.. 

"  Sire,  let  us  now  ride  onward,"  to  his  father  then  said  he, 
"  For  very  much  I  wonder  if  Charles  we  e'er  shall  see." 


128  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

"  Yea,"  said  Baligant  in  answer,  "  his  courage  is  so  great. 
The  histories  are  many,  his  high  deeds  that  relate. 
But  his  strong  nephew  Roland  he  hath  with  him  no  more, 
Nor  will  he  have  the  courage  to  face  us  in  the  war." 


CCXXXII     "  Oh  Malprimis,  my  own  fair  son,"  the  Amiral 

then  said, 

"  Roland  the  gallant  vassal  yestreen  was  smitten  dead. 
And  along  with  him,  moreover,  the  courageous  Olivier, 
And  all  the  twelve  peers,  also,  whom  Charlemagne  held  dear. 
And  there  fell  twenty  thousand  that  were  born  on  Frankish 
But  as  for  all  the  others  a  glove  there  are  not  worth.          [earth. 
Truly  the  Emperor  cometh.    My  Syrian  scout  doth  say 
That  into  ten  great  columns  he  hath  marshalled  his  array. 
Surely  he  is  a  gallant  that  the  war-horn  windeth  so, 
And  clearly  on  the  trumpet  doth  his  companion  blow. 
And  they  twain  march  together  before  the  foremost  ranks. 
And  there  are  gathered  with  them  full  fifteen  thousand  Franks 
Of  the  young  men  that  but  children  are  held  by  Charlemagne. 
There  stride  along  behind  them  as  many  more  again. 
In  great  arrogance  and  anger  will  they  march  into  the  fight." 
Said  Malprimis :     "  I  pray  thee ;  the  first  stroke  let  me 

smite." 


CCXXXIII  "  Ah  Malprimis  my  lovely  son,"  gave  answer 
"  Whatsoever  thou  desirest  unto  thee  I  will  grant.  [Baligant, 
The  assault  against  the  Frenchmen  now  forthwith  do  thou 
But  Torleu  King  of  Persia  for  thy  companion  take,  [make. 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  129 

And  the  Lord  of  Lithuania,  King  Dapamort,  beside. 
If  haply  thou  mayst  master  the  Emperor  in  his  pride, 
A  portion  of  my  kingdom  to  thee  will  I  give  o'er, 
From  Cheriant  to  Val  Marquis." 

"  Now  gramercy  therefore." 

Said  Malprimis,  and  on  he  went  to  take  within  his  hand 
Earnest  of  the  gift,  that  erewhile  was  the  King  Fleury's  land. 
But  never  will  Prince  Malprimis  again  his  kingdom  see. 
The  day  of  his  investiture  and  seizin  ne'er  will  be. 


CCXXXIV     And  Baligant  the  Amiral  through  the  army  rode 

in  state. 

And  Malprimis  was  at  his  heel  that  was  so  huge  and  great. 
King  Torleu  and  King  Dapamort  thirty  columns  did  array, 
And  a  very  mighty  legion  of  cavaliers  had  they. 
The  weakest  of  the  columns  is  of  thirty  thousand  men. 
And  first  the  men  of  Butejntrot  came  out  before  them  then, 
Of  whom  was  Judas  that  betrayed  his  God  in  sin  and  shame. 
And  after  them  the  Milcians  with  the  great  heads  there  came — 
And  their  back-bones,  moreover,  have  bristles  like  the  swine. 
The  men  of  Bios  and  Nubians  were  marshalled  third  in  line, 
In  the  fourth  did  the  Russians  and  the  Slavonians  ride. 
In  the  fifth  the  men  of  Sob  re  and  the  men  of  Sor  beside. 
In  the  sixth  did  the  Armenians  and  the  Moriscos  go. 
And  in  the  seventh  battle  were  the  men  of  Jericho. 
In  the  eighth  array  were  Negroes,  in  the  ninth  the  Giants  stood. 
The  men  of  Balida  the  Strong,  that  never  yet  wished  good, 
Were  in  the  tenth.    The  Amiral  sware  loudly  as  might  be 
By  the  body  of  Mahomet  and  his  strength  and  majesty :       [hold 
"  Like  a  fool  cometh  Charles  of  France.    An  he  do  not  with- 
Battle  will  be.    And  nevermore  shall  he  wear  his  crown  of  gold." 


130  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

CCXXXV     Thereafter  ten  great  columns  led  forth  the  mar- 
shals twain. 

And  the  first  of  foul  Orcanians  in  that  hour  did  they  ordain. 
To  march  across  Val  Fui  themselves  they  had  bestirred. 
The  Turks  made  up  the  second  host,  and  Persian  was  the  third. 
And  in  the  fourth  was  many  a  desperate  Canaanite ; 
Of  Soltras  and  of  Avars  was  the  fifth  line  of  the  fight. 
In  the  sixth  did  the  Ormalians  and  Euglians  find  place ; 
And  in  the  seventh  column  were  the  men  of  Samuel's  race ; 
And  in  the  eighth  the  Prussians  and  Slavonians  did  stand. 
In  the  tenth  the  men  of  Occiant,  the  waste  deserted  land. 
They  were  indeed  a  nation  who  never  served  the  Lord — 
Never  was  race  of  villains  yet  heard  of  more  abhorred. 
Their  hides  are  hard  as  iron ;  hauberk  and  helm  therefore 
They  need  not.     They  are  cruel  and  desperate  in  war. 


CCXXXVI     Forth  Baligant  the  Amiral  led  other  columns  ten, 
And  the  giant  race  of  Malprose  he  ranked  the  foremost  then. 
Next  came  the  Huns,  and  in  third  place  came  the  Hungarian 
And  in  the  fourth  the  army  of  Baldisa  the  Long.  [throng, 

From  the  dread  Vale  of  Suffering  the  fifth  brigade  was  come. 
Sixth  came  whoe'er  in  Aiglent  or  Marmuse  had  his  home. 
The  seventh  line  were  Leians  or  of  the  land  of  Thrace.       [place. 
The  eighth  of  Argoille  was,  with  them  of  Clarbone  ninth  in 
And  tenth  and  last  of  Val  Fonde  the  bearded  villains  trod. 
They  were  a  folk  that  never  had  felt  the  love  of  God. 
They  numbered  thirty  columns  in  the  history  of  the  Franks. 
Great  were  the  hosts.     The  trumpets  were  sounding  through 

the  ranks. 
And  forth  rode  every  Paynim  most  like  a  valiant  knight. 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  131 

CCXXXVII     Baligant    the    Amiral   was    a    gallant    man    of 

might. 

He  had  his  Dragon  borne  before,  and  Termagant's  ensign 
And  Mahomet's  and  the  image  of  Apollo  the  Malign. 
And  gathered  were  ten  Canaanites  that  marched  along  thereby, 
And  shouted  out  a  mighty  word  in  a  loud  voice  and  high : 

"  Whosoever  the  protection  of  our  Gods  would  now  possess, 
Let  him  now  pray  and  serve  them  in  sorrow  and  distress." 

And  therewith  all  the  heathen  bent  forward  chin  and  brow. 
And  all  their  shining  helmets  in  that  hour  did  they  bow. 

Then  said  the  Franks : 

"  Ye  villains !  ye  shall  perish  one  and  all. 

This  day  a  dire  confusion  upon  your  host  shall  fall.  [might, 

And  our  God  the  Emperor  Charlemagne  will   succor  by  his 
And  in  the  glory  of  His  name  shall  we  triumph  in  the  fight." 


CCXXXVIII     Baligant  the  Amiral  is  wise  in  many  things. 
To  him  his  son  he  summoned  and  also  the  two  Kings. 

"  Do  ye,  my  lords  and  barons,  now  forth  before  me  ride. 
All  my  columns  of  the  battle  do  ye  begin  to  guide. 
But  of  the  best  of  the  columns  three  will  I  keep  in  hand. 
The  Turks  and  the  Ormalians  beside  their  King  shall  stand. 
And  of  Malprose  the  Giants  the  third  array  shall  be. 
Also  the  men  of  Occiant  shall  march  along  with  me. 
With  the  Frenchmen  and  with  Charlemagne  they  shall  fight 

the  fearful  fray. 

If  he  fights  me,  from  his  shoulders  will  I  cleave  his  head  away. 
Of  that  he  may  be  certain.    He  deserves  no  other  fate." 


132  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

CCXXXIX     Beautiful  were  the  lines  of  fight,  and  the  hosts 

were  very  great. 

Between  them  was  no  mountain,  nor  little  hill,  nor  dale, 
Nor  any  copse  or  forest,  that  for  refuge  might  avail. 
Well  they  beheld  each  other  across  the  open  space, 
And  Baligant  cried  out  aloud  : 

"  Ho,  warriors  of  my  race, 

Get  you  to  horse  and  fiercely  now  in  the  fight  fall  on !" 
It  was  Amboire  of  Olifern  who  bore  his  gonfalon. 
The  Paynims  yelled.    On  Precious  the  great  sword  shouted  they. 
Said  the  Franks :     "  A  mighty  slaughter  shall  be  done  on  you 

this  day." 

And  loud  and  high  the  battle  cry  Mount  joy  they  raised  anew. 
And  by  the  Emperor's  order  all  the  horns  of  battle  blew ; 
But  bellowing  over  all  men  heard  the  horn  of  Roland  blare. 
Said  the  Paynims  then: 

"  The  army  of  King  Charles  is  wondrous  fair. 
We  are  going  to  a  battle  most  terrible  and  dread." 


CCXL     The  plain  was  very  mighty  and  wide  the   country 
Gigantic  was  the  army  that  there  its  way  did  hold.  [spread. 

Glittering  were  all  the  helmets  set  with  precious  stones  and 

gold, 

Broidered  byrnies   and  laced  pennons,   and  every  shield  and 

spear. 

And  all  the  war-horns  bellow  and  their  voice  is  wondrous  clear. 
And  haughty  is  the  sennet  that  they  wind  on  Roland's  horn. 
The  Amiral  called  to~Kim  Canabeu,  his  brother  born, 
That  even  to  Val-Sevree  was  the  ruler  of  the  land. 
Unto  Charlemagne's  ten  columns  he  pointed  with  the  hand. 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  133 

"  Behold  the  pride  of  famous  France.    Fierce  rideth  Charle- 
magne; 

He  cometh  behind  the  foremost  amid  yon  bearded  train.        [low, 
For  down  upon  their  hauberks  they  have  let  their  beards  hang 
And  the  beards  of  them  are  whiter  than  on  the  frost  the  snow. 
With  the  blades  and  with  the  lances  the  great  strokes  will  they 

smite. 

We  are  like  to  have  a  dreadful  and  a  very  desperate  fight. 
Never  a  man  the  like  has  seen  on  any  stricken  field."          [peeled 
Then  farther  than  a  man  might  cast   a   cudgel   cleanly 
Baligant  went  before  his  men.    His  mind  he  spake  and  showed: 

"  Ho,  Paynims !  follow  after,  for  I  will  clear  the  road." 
And  the  spear  he  shook  it  greatly  and  brandished  it  again. 
And  he  turned  thereof  the  iron  head  against  King  Charlemagne. 


CCXLI     But    when    the    Emperor    Charlemagne    the    Amiral 

surveyed  4 

And  the  Dragon  and  the  ensign  and  the  standard  there  dis- 
played, 

And  the  soldiers  of  Arabia  whereof  such  store  came  on — 
All  the  quarters  of  the  country  their  host  had  overrun, 
Save  that  where  with  his  army  did  the  Emperor  abide — 
The  King  of  France  right  loudly  lifted  up  his  voice  and  cried : 
"Lords  of  France  a-many  stricken  fights  have  ye  fought, 

and  ye  are  brave. 

Behold  the  Paynims.    Every  one  is  a  coward  and  a  knave. 
Their  whole  faith  is  not  worth  a  groat;  though  great  their 

army  be, 
What  boots  it?    Who  will  charge  them,  let  him  now  come  with 


134  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

Forthwith  with  the  good  rowels  he  spurred  the  charger  there, 
And  Ten9endor  the  charger  leaped  four  times  in  the  air.      [said, 
"  This  our  King  is  a  good  hero,"  forthwith  the  Frenchmen 
"  No  man  of  us  will  fail  thee.    Gallop  on,  Lord  King,  ahead." 


CCXLII     On  high  the  sun  was  shining,  and  lovely  was  the  day, 
Beautiful  were  the  armies  and  gigantic  each  array. 
And  now  the  foremost  ranks  thereof  in  battle  met  amain. 
Count  Rabel  and  Count  Guinemant  to  their  fleet  steeds  gave 

the  rein. 
And  out  they  spurred  with  all  their  speed  and  the  Franks  with 

one  accord 
Spurred  after  them,  and  came  to  fight  with  the  sharp  edge  of 

the  sword. 

CCXLIII     Count  Rabel  was  a  cavalier  of  a  great  heart  and 

bold. 

He  spurred  on  the  war-charger  with  the  spurs  of  the  fine  gold. 
Torleu  the  King  of  Persia  he  rode  to  overthrow. 
His  buckler  and  his  byrnie  might  not  abide  the  blow. 
Through  the  man's  body,  of  the  spear  was  thrust  the  golden 
Over  a  little  thicket  he  smote  the  Paynim  dead.  [head. 

Said  the  Franks : 

"  May  God  Almighty  now  aid  us  to  prevail. 
For  the  right  is  with  King  Charlemagne,  and  him  we  cannot 

fail." 

CCXLIV     And   now    against   the   Lettish   King,    Guinemant 

fought  the  fight. 
All  of  his  flowery  buckler  in  pieces  did  he  smite, 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  135 

And  shattered  all  the  byrnie.     And  furthermore  he  ran 
His  gonfalon  right  through  the  midst  of  the  body  of  the  man. 
He  struck  him  dead  most  certainly  whether  for  mirth  or  woe. 
And  forthwith  all  the  Frenchmen  raised  a  great  shout  at  the 

blow. 

7 "Smite,  Lords!     Stay  not!     For  a  just  cause  against  the 

Paynim  race 

Hath  our  King.     And  God  hath  set  us  in  His  very  judgment- 
place." 


CCXLV     On   a   white   steed   sate   Malprimis.      Through  the 

press  of  Franks  he  bore, 

Dealing  out  a  goodly  measure  of  the  great  strokes  of  war. 
Each  over  each  the  dead  men  he  smote  down  on  every  side. 
Then  first  the  Emir  Baligant  lifted  his  voice  and  cried : 

"  To  nourish  you,  my  barons,  long  time  I  have  been  fain. 
My  son  now  see  how  eagerly  he  seeketh  Charlemagne, 
And  so  great  a  store  of  barons  defieth  unto  fight. 
I  will  never  ask  for  "Vassal  of  better  heart  and  might. 
Go  now  and  bear  him  succor  with  the  sharp  point  of  the  lance." 

And  with  that  word  the  Paynims  to  battle  did  advance. 
Hard  are  the  strokes  and  fierce  the  fray.     'Tis  a  battle  won- 
drous sore 
A  keener  fight  was  never  fought  since  that  time  or  before. 


CCXLVI     O  angry  are  the  armies !     Wide  are  the  hosts  and 

large. 

And  now  have  all  the  columns  encountered  at  the  charge. 
And  wondrously  the  Paynims  went  striking  stroke  on  stroke. 
God's  name !    How  many  lances  in  pieces  twain  they  broke, 


136  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

And  shields  burst,  and  from  byrnies  rent  all  the  mail  away. 
There  mightest  thou  see  how  scattered  on  the  field  the  bodies 

lay. 

And  the  whole  field  of  battle  with  the  fine  green  herbage  strown 
With  the  blood  out  of  those  bodies  was  all  vermilion  grown. 
And  once  again  the  Amiral  cried  out  unto  his  train : 

"  Ho !  now  upon  these  Christians,  my  barons,  smite  amain." 
Hard  and  fearful  was  the  battle.    The  like  was  never  kenned 
Since  or  before.    Nor  ends  it  until  death  shall  make  an  end. 


CCXLVII     "  Smite  Paynims !     Ye  are  come  for  that,"  to  his 

men  called  the  Emir, 

"  And  I  will  give  you  women  both  beautiful  and  dear. 
Fiefs  and  lands  will  I  give  you,  and  possessions  fair  and  wide." 
"  To  smite  is  our  whole  duty,"  the  Paynim  host  replied. 
At  the  first  stroke  all  their  lances  were  shivered  in  their  hands. 
Then  forth  they  drew  together  an  hundred  thousand  brands. 
There  had  you  had  a  sorrowful  and  terrible  mellay. 
Whoe'er  therein  would  enter  might  behold  a  dreadful  fray. 


CCXLVIII     The  Emperor  besought  the  Franks : 

66  Lord  barons,  verily 

I  love  and  trust  you.    Ye  have  fought  so  many  fights  for  me, 
And  ta'en  so  many  kingdoms,  and  great  kings  overthown, 
And  that  I  owe  you  guerdon^ to  me  is  right  well  known — 
The  guerdon  of  my  body  and  my  lands  and  my  domain. 
Now  for  them  do  ye  take  vengeance  that  yesterday  were  slain — 
Your  sons  and  heirs  and  brothers  in  the  pass  at  Roncevaux. 
Right  well  ye  wot  yours  is  the  right  against  the  Paynim  foe." 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  '  137 

"Lord  King!     Thou  speakest  truly,"  the  Frankish  host 

replied. 

There  were  twenty  thousand  of  them  that  with  Charlemagne 
And  all  of  them  together  unto  him  gave  their  faith         [did  ride. 
That  never  would  they  fail  him  for  danger  or  for  death. 
Was  none  that  played  not  with  the  spear.     But  right  soon  did 

they  smite 

With  the  keen  sword;  and  grievous  and  dreadful  waxed  the 

fight. 


CCXLIX     Now  Malprimis  the  baron  galloped  hard  amid  the 
A  many  of  the  Frenchmen  it  fortuned  him  to  slay.  [fray. 

Neimes  the  Duke  beheld  him  and  his  look  was  full  of  pride. 
Like  a  man  of  mighty  courage  against  him  did  he  ride. 
The  high  boss  out  of  the  buckler  with  a  fearful  blow  he  smote, 
And  the  embroidered  coverings  twain,  he  rent  from  the  mail- 
coat. 

Right  through  the  Prince's  body  his  golden  banner  bore. 
He  smote  him  dead  seven  hundred  of  his  servitors  before. 


CCL     The  brother  of  the  Amiral,  King  Canabeu  was  he. 
Straightway  the  battle  charger  he  spurred  forward  furiously. 
He  drew  his  blade — the  hilt  was  set  with  crjstals_all  a-row. 
On  Neimes'  princely  helmet  he  struck  a  fearful  blow. 
And  the  half  thereof  the  Saracen  did  sorely  rend  and  rive. 
With  the  sharp  edge  of  the  warsword  he  cut  through  laces  five. 
The  iron  plate  above  his  brow  a  groat  it  was  not  worth. 
To  the  skin  the  Paynim  clove  the  coif,  and  a  fragment  fell  to 

earth. 


138  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

Fierce  was  the  stroke,  and  sorely  the  Duke  it  did  astound. 
If  God  had  not  sustained  him,  he  had  fallen  to  the  ground. 
He  gripped  the  neck  of  the  charger.    If  the  foeman  smite  again, 
Dead  is  the  noble  vassal.    To  his  aid  ran  Charlemagne. 


CCLI     And  the  Duke  Neimes  suffered  great  agony  and  woe, 
And  Canabeu  the  Paynim  ran  in  to  lay  him  low,  [smite." 

Said  Charlemagne :     "  Thou  dastard !  an  ill  stroke  didst  thou 
And  forth  he  rushed  against  him  in  the  fury  of  his  might. 
The  buckler  of  that  Paynim  he  crushed  against  his  heart. 
The  neck-joint  of  the  hauberk  he  rended  it  apart. 
And  through  the  caitiff's  body  he  thrust  the  lance  right  well, 
That  he  smote  him  dead.    And  empty  thereafter  was  his  selle. 


CCLII     And  very  heavy  sorrow  King  Charlemagne  came  o'er, 
When  he  beheld  Duke  Neimes  before  him  wounded  sore, 
And  how  from  the  Duke's  helmet  the  clear  blood  spouted  free. 
The  Emperor  spake  his  counsel : 

"  Ride  hither  unto  me, 

Neimes,  fair  lord.     The  scoundrel  that  wrought  thee  this  mis- 
chance 

Is  dead,  and  I  have  once  for  all  transfixed  him  with  my  lance." 
Neimes  the  Duke  gave  answer: 

"  I  trow  it  master  mine ; 
And,  if  I  live  hereafter,  great  profit  shall  be  thine." 

In  love  and  faith  together  they  hastened  onwards  then. 
The  Franks  that  marched  beside  them  were  twenty  thousand 

men. 
Was  none  but  smote  and  fiercely  stroke  upon  great  stroke  laid. 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND'  139 

CCLIII     Baligant  through  the  battle,  on  his  steed  his  way 

he  made. 

And  in  his  hand  he  carried  the  spear  both  sharp  and  strong. 
To  smite  against  Count  Guinemant,  he  galloped  hard  along. 
And  against  the  heart  he  shattered  the  hero's  buckler  white. 
The  broideries  of  the  hauberk  he  tore  them  left  and  right. 
From  side  to  side  he  severed  the  hero's  flanks  in  twain. 
From  the  back  of  the  fleet  charger  he  hurled  to  earth  the  slain. 
Then  Baligant  Lord  Geboin  and  Lawrence  overthrew, 
And  Richard  the  Old,  the  Captain,  of  Normandy  he  slew. 
The  Paynims  cried: 

"  Most  wondrous  is  Precious  the  great  glaive. 
Smite,  barons !    In  the  warsword  is  that  which  shall  us  save." 

CCLIV     'Twas  a  great  sight  to  look  upon,  that  Arab  host  of 

war — 

Men  of  Occiant  and  of  Argoille  and  the  Biscayan  Shore. 
Well  enow  with  the  long  lances  against  the  Franks  they  drove, 
But  now  to  yield  to  them  the  field  the  Frenchmen  did  not  love. 
There  were  a  very  many  that  fell  on  either  side ; 
And  furiously  the  battle  went  on  till  vespertide. 
The  barons  of  the  Frankish  host  a  mighty  loss  had  they. 
There  was  enough  of  sorrow  ere  the  ending  of  the  day. 

CCLV     Fiercely  against  each  other  did  the  Franks  and  Pay- 
nims strike. 

They  shivered  many  lances,  and  many  a  burnished  pike. 
Whoso  saw  the  bucklers  shattered,  or  heard  the  fearful  crash 
Of  the  white  mail,  or  the  warswords  on  the  helmets  that  did 
Or  whoso  saw  the  cavaliers  on  every  side  that  fell,  [clash ; 

And  hearkened  of  the  dying  on  the  ground  the  wail  and  yell, 


140  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

Might  keep  within  his  spirit  a  memory  of  woe. 
It  was  indeed  a  battle  that  was  hard  to  undergo. 
To  Apollo  and  Mahomet  and  Termagant  each  one 

Cried  the  Emir: 

"  Ah,  my  lord  gods !  your  service  have  I  done 
But  over  well.    Your  images  shall  of  fine  gold  be  made. 
Against  the  Emperor  Charlemagne  protect  me  and  bear  aid." 

But  now  his  friend  Gemalfin  came  forth  before  the  King 
Very  evil  were  the  tidings  that  with  him  he  did  bring. 

He  cried: 

"  Lord  Baligant,  this  day  ill  hast  thou  led  the  host, 
For  thy  son  Malprimis  to  thee  among  the  foes  is  lost. 
And  Canabeu  thy  brother  is  slaughtered  in  the  fray. 
And  for  the  two  French  champions  fairly  hath  gone  the  day. 
That  one  was  the  King  Charlemagne  most  certainly  I  deem. 
Big-bodied  like  a  warden  of  the  marches  did  he  seem.  [helm, 

His  beard  is  white  as  an  April  flower."     Baligant  bowed  the 
And  thereafter  hid  his  visage.     Such  grief  did  overwhelm 
The  Emir  that  he  thought  forthwith  to  die  of  misery. 
Jangleu  he  summoned  to  him,  the  man  from  oversea. 


CCLVI     "  Ho  Jangleu,"  said  the  Amiral,  "  Stand  forth  before 

me  now. 

Exceeding  great  is  thy  wisdom,  and  a  gallant  man  art  thou. 
By  thy  counsels  at  all  seasons  'tis  my  custom  to  abide 
Betwixt  the  Franks  and  Arabs  what  think'st  thou  shall  betide? 
Shall  we  triumph  in  this  battle?" 

The  other  answer  gave: 

"  Dead  art  thou,  Baligant !    Thy  gods  thy  life  they  cannot 

save. 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  141 

Brave  is  King  Charles  and  gallant  are  all  his  men  of  war. 
So  fierce  a  race  of  fighters  I  have  not  seen  before. 
But  now  the  knights  of  Occiant  and  the  Turks  do  thou  com- 
Enfrons,  Arabians,  Giants  now  gather  to  thy  hand.  [mand, 

Delayloo  more  the  matter  that  thou  shouldst  be  about." 


CCLVII     His  beard  above  his  byrnie  the  Amiral  shook  out; 
As  any  hawthorn-flower  the  goodly  beard  was  white. 
Whate'er  befell,  in  no  way  would  he  hide  him  in  the  fight. 
And  to  his  mouth  thereafter  he  set  a  trumpet  clear. 
And  loud  he  blew  upon  it  that  the  heathen  host  might  hear. 
And  through  the  field  of  battle  he  rallied  his  array. 
Loud  did  the  men  of  Occiant  in  answer  bray  and  neigh, 
And  all  the  men  of  Argoille  like  dogs  did  yelp  and  bark. 
They  fell  upon  the  Frenchmen  in  very  madness  stark.        [broke, 
Right  through  the  thickest  of  them  the  Paynims  burst  and 
And  a  full  seven  thousand  fell  dead  before  their  stroke. 

CCLVIII     Never  had  the  Count  Ogier  been  touched  by  dread 
Than  he  a  better  vassal  ne'er  put  on  battle-gear.  [or  fear. 

When  he  beheld  the  columns  of  the  Frenchmen  broken  through, 
To  Thierry  Duke  of  Argone  and  to  Geoffrey  of  Anjou 
And  Count  Josser  an  he  shouted.     Proudly  to  Charlemagne 
He  spake: 

"  Of  these  same  Paynims  see  how  thy  men  are  slain. 
In  God's  sight  'twill  not  be  pleasing  that  thy  head  should  wear 

a  crown, 
If  so  be  it  that  thou  smit'st  not  to  avenge  this  ill-renown." 

They  said  no  word  but  hard  they  spurred;  they  let  the 

horses  go, 
And  went  to  smite  wherever  they  might  come  upon  the  foe. 


142  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

CCLIX     Ogier   the   Dane    and   Charlemagne   well   the   great 

strokes  laid  on, 

And  Neimes  and  Geoffrey  of  Anjou  that  bore  the  gonfalon. 
r— — ^2K)gier  the  Dane  in  all  things  a  hero  good  was  he. 

He  spurred  the  steed  beneath  him,  and  let  him  gallop  free. 
On  him  who  bore  the  Dragon  he  let  drive  a  buffet  dread. 
Down  to  the  earth  before  him  he  hurled  Lord  Amboire  dead. 
And  the  banner  of  King  Baligant  in  that  hour  came  to  ground. 
And  Baligant  beheld  it  fall,  and  the  ensign  of  Mahound 
Without  a  man  to  guard  it.    In  his  heart  he  saw  it  plain 
How  wickedness  was  on  his  side  and  the  right  with  Charle- 
Those  Paynims  of  Arabia  less  furiously  did  ride,  [magne.x 

And  the  Emperor  raised  up  his  voice,  and  to  the  Frenchmen 

cried : 

"Speak,  lords!     Will  ye   aid  me   for   God's  love?"      The 

Franks  their  answer  gave : 

"  Thou  askest  ill.     Who  smites  not  with  his  whole  strength 

is  a  knave." 

CCLX     Now  all  the  day  passed  over,  and  nearer  came  the 

night. 

The  Frenchmen  and  the  Paynims  with  the  sword  they  fought 

the  fight. 

They  were  very  gallant  captains  that  j  oined  those  hosts  of  war. 
The  memory  of  their  war-cries  they  had  not  given  o'er. 
Baligant  called  on  Precious,  but  the  far-famous  cry 
Mount  joy  cried  Charles.     And  each  knew  each  by  the  clear 

voice  and  high. 

And  now  those  two  encountered  amidmost  of  the  field,  [shield 
And  charged,  and  either  other  smote  upon  the  rose-wrought 
With  the  lances.  And  the  targets  broke  beneath  the  buckles 
The  fringes  of  the  hauberks  they  rended  from  the  side.  [wide. 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  143 

Neither  pierced  the  other's  body,  but  either  broke  his  girth. 

The  saddles  turned.    They  staggered,  and  fell  unto  the  earth. 

To  their  feet  very  swiftly  arose  those  angry  lords, 

And  in  most  gallant  manner  they  got  them  to  their  swords. 

There  cannot  be  an  ending  hereafter  of  this  fray. 

They  cannot  cease  from  battle  till  one  the  other  slay. 


CCLXI     A  gallant  man  was  Charles  of  France,  the  lovely  land 
In  no  way  did  the  Amiral  feel  any  doubt  or  fear.  [and  dear. 

And  either  of  the  heroes  lifted  up  the  naked  glaive. 
On  the  shield  each  to  the  other  the  dreadful  buffets  gave. 
And  they  cut  through  the  two-fold  wood  and  through  the  folds 

of  hide. 

Flew  the  nails,  and  into  pieces  fell  the  buckles  far  and  wide. 
Then  smiting  on  the  hauberks  breast  against  breast  they  came. 
Out  of  the  fiery  helmets  flew  up  the  sparks  of  flame. 
So  furious  a  battle  could  not  endure  for  long. 
Behoved  one  or  the  other  there  to  confess  his  wrong. 


CCLXII     Said  Baligant : 

"  King  Charlemagne  look  well  to  thine  intent. 
Take  counsel  of  thy  wickedness  unto  me  to  repent. 
My  son  within  the  battle  I  deem  that  thou  didst  slay. 
And  wrongly  now  thou  seekest  my  realm  to  take  away. 
Become  my  liegeman ;  for  a  fief  I  will  give  my  realm  to  thee. 
From  here  unto  the  Orient  my  vassal  shalt  thou  be." 
And  Charlemagne  gave  answer: 

"  Right  evil  words  are  these. 
I  owe  not  to  a  Paynim  either  true  love  or  peace. 


144  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

Receive  now  the  salvation  given  of  God  above, 

Even  the  law  of  Jesus  Christ,  and  thee  I  still  will  love. 

Serve  and  trust  the  King  Almighty !" 

"  Yon  are  most  evil  words," 
Said  Baligant.    Then  fell  they  on  with  the  keen  cutting  swords. 


CCLXIII     The  Amiral  in  all  things  was  of  excelling  might, 
And  through  the  brown  steel  helmet  of  the  Emperor  did  he 

smite. 

Upon  his  head  the  helmet  was  broken  through  and  rent. 
Even  through  the  fine  locks  of  his  hair  fell  the  blade  in  its 

descent. 

Of  flesh  a  handsbreadth  good  and  more  away  the  sword  did 

tear. 

On  the  place  whereon  it  lighted,  naked  was  the  bone  and  bare. 
Reeling  and  near  to  falling  was  the  King  Charlemagne. 
But  God  willed  not  in  that  hour  that  he  should  be  ta'en  or  slain. 
'"And  then  unto  the  Emperor  in  haste  Saint  Gabriel  sped. 

"What  dost  thou,  King  most  mighty?"  to  him  the  angel 

said. 


CCLXIV     When  of  the  holy  angel  Charlemagne  the  voice  did 
He  had  no  dread  of  dying,  and  knew  not  any  fear.  [hear, 

And  strength  of  mind  and  body  anew  in  him  awoke.  [stroke. 

On  the  Emir  with  the  blade  of  France  he  smote  a  dreadful 
The  helm  where  flamed  the  jewels  with  that  buffet  did  he  crush, 
He  clove  the  head  in  sunder,  and  out  the  brains  did  gush ; 
And  straight  through  the  man's  visage  to  the  beard  that  was 

so  white 
Beyond  all  hope  or  question  stone  dead  he  did  him  smite. 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  145 

And  that  his  men  might  know  him,  "Mount joy!"  he  shouted 

high. 

At  the  word  Duke  Neimes  hastened  and  to  the  King  drew  nigh, 
And    brought    the    steed.      King    Charlemagne    leaped    upon 

Ten9endor. 

The  Paynims  turned.     God  would  not  that  they  should  tarry 

more. 

And  now  the  Franks  have  won  the  boon  for  which  they  had 

implored. 


CCLXV     The  Paynims  fled  according  to  the  will  of  God  the 

Lord. 

The  Franks  pursued,  and  with  them  the  Emperor  did  go. 
Spake  the  King: 

"  Ho  now,  my  barons !    Take  vengeance  for  your  woe. 
Achieve  your  whole  desire,  and  in  your  hearts  be  glad, 
For  it  was  but  this  morning  I  beheld  you  weeping  sad." 
Said  the  Franks : 

"  Sire,  let  us  do  the  deed."    And  each  began  to  slay, 
Even  as  he  might.    But  a  remnant  of  the  Paynims  got  away. 


CCLXVI     Fierce  was  the  heat  and  clouds  of  dust  rose  upwards 

to  the  height, 

And  the  Franks  pressed  the  Paynims  most  fiercely  in  their 
Even  unto  Saragossa  the  pursuit  did  not  relent.  [flight — 

To  the  summit  of  her  tower  Queen  Bramimonde  she  went. 
And  clerks  and  priests  of  the  false  law  God  loves  not  with  her 
They  have  no  ordination  or  tonsure  on  the  head.  [sped. 

When  she  beheld  the  Arabs  into  such  confusion  thrown, 
She  hastened  unto  Marsile,  and  shrieking  made  it  known : 


146  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

"  Mahomet  aid !    Ah,  gentle  King,  our  host  is  smitten  amain, 
And  in  very  great  dishonor  the  Amiral  is  slain." 

When  Marsile  heard  the  tidings  he  turned  unto  the  wall, 
And  hid  his  face,  and  bitterly  his  tears  began  to  fall. 
Weighed  down  with  sin  and  shamefullness  he  died  there  of  his 
And  the  eternal  fiends  of  Hell  got  hold  upon  his  soul.  [dole, 


CCLXVII     Thus  slain  were  all  the  Pa3^nims,  save  those  who 

fled  away, 

And  Charlemagne  the  Emperor  hath  conquered  in  the  fray. 
In  Saragossa  city  the  gates  were  battered  down; 
But  the  Emperor  knew  surely  that  defenseless  was  the  town. 
He  took  the  place.    He  entered  with  his  war-host  in  his  might. 
There  the  King  and  all  his  army  laid  him  down  to  sleep  that 

night. 

Exceeding  proud  was  Charlemagne  with  the  white  beard  in  that 
Queen  Bramimonde  surrendered  unto  him  every  tower.        [hour. 
There  ten  great  towers  and  fifty  of  lesser  note  did  stand. 
Well  endeth  his  adventure  that  is  succored  of  God's  hand. 


CCLXVIII     And  now  the  day  was  over,  and  on  the  night- 
time came. 

And  clear  the  moon  was  shining,  and  the  stars  were  flashing 

flame. 

The  King  had  ta'en  Saragossa.    A  thousand  men  around 
He  bade  march  through  town  and  temple  and  the  mansions  of 

Mahound. 

With  the  axes  that  they  carried,  and  with  the  iron  mairiy 
They  smote  Mahound,  and  shattered  his  idols  one  and  all, 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  147 

That  sorcery  and  falsehood,  no  longer  might  remain. 
The  King  loved  God.    His  service  to  accomplish  was  he  fain. 
The  bishops  blessed  the  water.    The  Paynims  did  they  bring 
To  baptism.    And  if  any  held  out  against  the  King* 
Or  burned,  or  hanged,  or  slaughtered  with  the  sharp  sword 

was  he  then. 

At  that  time  were  there  baptized  an  hundred  thousand  men, 
True  Christians  all ;  all  save  the  Queen  that  captive  did  depart 
To  lovely  France.    The  King  desired  God's  love  should  change 

her  heart. 


CCLXIX     And   the   long   night   passed   over,    and   brightly 

broke  the  day. 

Charles  garrisoned  the  towers  with  the  men  of  his  array, 
He  left  a  thousand  cavaliers  behind  him,  proved  and  bold, 
In  the  Emperor's  name  the  city  to  govern  and  to  hold. 
And  the  King  and  all  his  barons  got  quickly  on  the  steed, 
And  Bramimonde,  a  captive,  in  the  army  did  they  lead, 
But  he  intended  nothing  save  good  unto  the  dame. 
In  gallantry  and  glory  along  their  way  they  came. 
In  their  strength  and  in  their  power  they  passed  Narbonne  the 
And  hastened  unto  Bordeaux  the  city  of  renown.  [town, 

And  there  upon  the  altar  of  brave  Saint  Severin's  shrine 
He  set  the  horn  of  Roland  filled  with  golden  pieces  fine. 
The  pilgrims  have  beheld  it  that  to  the  place  have  gone. 
He  passed' the  Girpnde  river  in  the  great  ships  thereon. 
Unto  Blaye  he  brought  his  nephew,  likewise  his  comrade  good, 
Even  Olivier,  and  Turpin  that  had  such  hardihood 
And  wisdom.    And  he  laid  the  lords  in  sepulchres  of  white. 
In  the  church  of  Saint  Romanus  lieth  each  gallant  knight. 


148  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

To  God  and  the  Holy  Names   the  Franks  their   spirits  did 

commend. 

Through  the  mountains  and  the  valley  King  Charlemagne  did 

wend. 

For  nothing  would  he  tarry  till  he  came  to  Aix  the  town. 
He  rode  till  at  his  stairway  from  the  charger  he  got  down. 
And  when  at  last  the  King  was  come  into  his  high-built  hall 
Forthwith  he  summoned  to  him  his  judges  one  and  all, 
From  Bavaria  and  Saxony  and  Friesland  and  Lorraine. 
He  summoned  them  of  Burgundy,  and  them  of  Alamain, 
Poiteveins,  Normans,  Bretons,  and  every  wisest  man 
In  the  realm  of  France,  and  the  trial  of  Ganelon  began. 


CCLXX     Back   from   the    Spanish   Marches    returned   King 

Charlemagne 

To  Aix  the  fairest  city  in  the  land  of  France  again. 
He  mounted  in  his  palace  unto  his  chamber  fair, 
And  Aude  the  lovely  lady  came  forth  unto  him  there. 
She  spake  unto  the  Emperor : 

"  Count  Roland  where  is  he, 

That  to  take  me  for  his  wedded  wife  plighted  his  troth  to  me?" 

And  Charles  was  filled  with  sorrow  and  heaviness  of  heart. 

He  plucked  his  beard,  and  from  his  eyes  the  tears  began  to 

start : 

"  Thou  askest  me,  dear  sister,  of  one  that  doth  not  live. 
Another  and  a  better  unto  thee  I  will  give. 
It  is  Louis — and  a  better  there  is  not  found  in  France. 
He  is  my  son,  and  my  domains  are  his  inheritance." 
And  Aude  replied  unto  him : 

"  What  monstrous  words  are  these ! 
God  and  His  Saints  and  Angels  in  no  way  would  it  please 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

That  after  Roland's  passing  I  yet  on  earth  should  dwell." 

Her  color  fled  and  suddenly  at  the  King's  feet  she  fell, 
And  perished.    Now  her  spirit  God  in  His  grace  receive ! 
Wept  all  the  Frankish  barons  and  sorely  did  they  grieve 


CCLXXI     Now  Lady  Aude  the  beautiful  the  end  of  life  had 

found. 

The  Emperor  thought  within  him  that  she  was  but  in  a  swound, 
And  his  heart  was  filled  with  pity,  and  sore  he  wept  for  pain, 
And  in  his  arms  he  took  her,  and  raised  her  up  again. 
But  aye  upon  her  shoulders  drooped  the  fair  lady's  head. 
And  when  the  King  beheld  it  that  she  verily  was  dead, 
Four  countesses  he  summoned.    To  a  nunnery  was  she  borne. 
And  all  the  night  they  watched  her  till  the  breaking  of  the 
And  underneath  an  altar  they  wrought  her  sepulchre,        [morn. 
And  with  exceeding  honor  the  King  let  bury  her. 

CCLXXII     Now  to  Aix  returned  the  Emperor.     Ganelon  the 

traitor  hound 

Was  there  before  the  palace  in  chains  of  iron  bound. 
There  to  a  stake  that  villain  in  shameful  guise  they  tied. 
His  hands  were  girded  stoutly  with  thongs  of  red-deer  hide. 
And  nobly  did  they  beat  him  with  the  ox-yoke  and  the  stave. 
But  he  deserved  no  other  than  the  measure  that  they  gave. 
So  in  exceeding  anguish  for  his  trial  did  he  wait. 

CCLXXIII     It  is  written  in  the  ancient  book  these  deeds  that 

doth  relate 

That  Charlemagne  unto  him  men  of  many  lands  did  call. 
At  Aix  within  the  chapel  they  gathered  one  and  all. 


•;' 


150  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

The  feast  was  very  glorious.    It  was  the  holy  day 
Of  Saint  Silvester  the  good  lord,  by  that  which  many  say. 
And  then  began  the  trial,  and  abroad  did  rumor  run 
Concerning  Ganelon  the  Count  the  treason  that  had  done. 
The  Emperor  before  him  the  prisoner  bade  them  bring. 


CGLXXIV     "  Lord  barons,"  to  the  judges  said  Charlemagne 

the  King, 

"  Concerning  the  Count  Ganelon  make  now  a  just  decree. 
He  marched  amid  mine  army  to  the  land  of  Spain  with  me. 
And  twenty  thousand  Frenchmen  he  caused  them  to  be  slain, 
And  Roland  my  good  nephew  whom  ye  ne'er  shall  see  again, 
And  Olivier,  moreover,  the  courteous  and  the  bold, 
And  the  twelve  peers  this  traitor  for  filthy  lucre  sold." 

Said  Ganelon: 

"  An  I  gainsaid,  I  would  be  a  traitor  strong. 
But  in  gold  and  in  possession  Roland  did  me  grievous  wrong. 
Therefore  did  I  desire  his  death  and  his  distress ; 
But  that  the  thing  was  treason  I  never  will  confess." 

Said  the  Franks  in  answer :     "  Counsel  we  now  will  take 

thereon." 


CCLXXV     Before  the  King  there  might  ye   see  the  great 

Count  Ganelon. 

And  gallant  was  his  body,  and  his  face  was  fair  of  hue. 
Well  had  he  been  a  baron  good,  had  he  been  leal  and  true. 
On  the  Franks  and  on  the  judges  Ganelon  turned  his  eye, 
And  on  thirty  of  his  kinsmen  that  unto  him  stood  nigh. 
And  then  in  a  loud  voice  and  high  unto  them  he  did  shout : 
"  For  the  love  of  God  I  pray  you,  ye  barons,  hear  me  out. 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  151 

I  was  in  the  King's  army  and  served  him  faithfully 

And  in  all  love.    But  Roland  his  nephew  hated  me. 

And  therewithal  he  plotted  how  in  great  pain  I  should  die. 

Therefore  unto  King  Marsile  embassador  was  I, 

And  only  by  my  wisdom  did  I  hap  my  life  to  save. 

And  I  defied  Count  Roland,  the  stalwart  and  the  brave. 

And  Olivier  and,  likewise,  all  the  comrades  of  their  train — 

These  noble  barons  heard  it,  and  the  King  Charlemagne — 

I  venged  myself.    But  treason — I  wot  it  was  not  so." 

And  the  Franks  spake  in  answer :    "  To  counsel  let  us  go." 


CCLXXVI     When  Ganelon  saw  his  trial  how  it  began  apace, 
There  were  thirty  of  his  kinsmen  that  he  summoned  in  the  place. 
And  one  there  was  to  whose  command  the  others  hearkened  well. 
From  Sorence  the  fair  castle  was  the  Lord  Pinabel. 
Well  could  he  talk  and  clearly  speak  forth  his  thought  aright. 
And  he  was  brave  and  skillful  with  his  weapons  in  the  fight. 
"  I  trust  thee,  friend,"  unto  him  Count  Ganelon  did  say, 
"  Free  me  from  this  shame  of  trial  and  the  risk  of  death  this 
And  Pinabel  gave  answer:  [day." 

"  Well  defended  shalt  thou  be. 

Nor  is  there  any  Frenchman  that  to  hang  condemneth  thee, 
(If  the  Emperor  to  fight  the  man  will  grant  me  and  accord) 
But  I  will  give  the  lie  to  him  with  the  sharp  edge  of  the  sword." 
And  at  the  feet  of  Pinabel  fell  the  Count  Ganelon. 


CCLXXVII     The  Bavarians  and  Saxons  to  the  Council  got 

them  gone. 

There  were  Franks   and  men  of  Normandy  and  likewise  of 

Poitou. 
And  of  Germans  and  Thediscans  a-many  thither  drew. 


152  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

They  of  Auvergne  were  soft  of  heart.    Because  of  Pinabel 
They  kept  them  close.    Said  each  to  each: 

"  To  let  it  rest  were  weU. 

Let  close  the  trial ;  to  Charlemagne  now  let  us  make  this  prayer 
That  Ganelon  acquitted  for  this  time  he  declare. 
Let  him  then  serve  the  Emperor  in  true  love  and  in  faith. 
Ye  will  never  see  Count  Roland,  for  his  head  is  low  in  death. 
For  gold  and  gear  he  cannot  bring  back  the  Marquis  more. 
'Tis  a  fool  that  undertaketh  to  take  up  this  gage  of  war." 

Was  none  within  the  Council  but  granted  it  was  true 
|  Save  Thierry  that  was  brother  of  Lord  Geoffrey  of  Anjou. 


CCLXXVIII     The  barons  went  to  Charlemagne,  and  said : 

"  Sire,  hear  our  prayer. 

Count  Ganelon  acquitted  for  this  time  do  thou  declare. 
And  do  thou  let  him  serve  thee  in  true  love  faithfully. 
Give  him  his  life,  for  certainly  a  goodly  man  is  he. 
Roland  is  dead.    Upon  him  we  shall  not  look  again. 
Nor  win  him  back  with  treasure." 

Then  the  King  Charlemagne 
Answered  and  said  unto  them :    "  Ye  are  villains  all  indeed." 


CCLXXIX     When  the  King  saw  that  all  of  them  had  failed 

him  in  his  need, 

Then  his  countenance  and  visage  on  his  breast  he  bended  low, 
And  called  himself  a  caitiff  in  the  torment  of  his  woe. 
But  lo !  the  good  knight  Thierry  unto  the  King  he  drew, 
Even  he  that  was  the  brother  of  Duke  Geoffrey  of  Anjou; 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  153 

Lean  was  the  man  of  body,  and  exceeding  thin  and  spare. 
And  dark  was  Thierry's  countenance,  and  coal-black  was  his 
Not  over  large  in  stature,  nor  yet  of  little  height.  [hair. 

He  spake  unto  the  Emperor  like  a  very  courteous  knight : 

"  My  fair  Lord  King,  now  let  not  thine  anger  rise  so  strong. 
Thou  knowest  well  already  that  I  have  served  thee  long. 
This  trial  in  my  forbears'  right  is  mine  to  pass  upon. 
Whatsoever  the  Count  Roland  did  unto  Ganelon, 
Thy  service  should  have  been  to  him  a  strong  defence  and  aid, 
And  a  traitor  is  Count  Ganelon,  that  Roland  thus  betrayed. 
He  has  perjured  him  before  thee,  and  treason  wrought  most 
Therefore  it  is  my  judgment  that  he  be  hanged  and  die,      [high. 
And  that  his  body  also  suffer  shame  and  torture  both, 
Like  unto  any  traitor  a  villainy  that  doth. 

And  if  to  me  shall  give  the  lie  a  kinsman  of  his  blood,  [good." 
With  the  blade  that  I  have  girded  will  I  make  my  judgment 
And  all  the  Franks  gave  answer :  "  Now  hast  thou  spoken 

well." 

CCLXXX     Now  unto  the  King  Charlemagne  came  forward 

Pinabel. 

Great  was  the  man,  and  mighty,  and  swift  and  strong  in  war. 
And  he  to  whom  he  dealt  a  stroke,  his  time  of  life  was  o'er. 
He  said  unto  the  Emperor : 

"  This  trial  is  for  thee, 

Oh  King;  give  orders  straightway  that  no  more  tumult  be. 
Thierry  hath  given  judgment.    I  say  that  he  has  lied ; 
I  will  fight." 

He  put  on  his  right  fist  the  glove  of  red-deer  hide. 
Said  the  King  then : 

"  The  hostages  of  the  trial  give  me  now." 
Therewith  the  thirty  kinsmen  gave  in  their  pledge  and  vow. 


154  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

"  I  will  give  thee  pledges  also,"  said  the  Emperor  thereon, 
And  he  caused  them  to  be  guarded  till  justice  should  be  done. 


CCLXXXI     When  Thierry  well  had  seen  it  that  the  fight  he 

soon  must  wage, 

He  gave  unto  the  Emperor  his  right-hand  glove  for  gage. 
And  pledges  for  his  warrant  the  Emperor  gave  o'er. 
And  at  the  word  of  Charlemagne  they  brought  in  benches  four ; 
And  thereon  did  they  seat  them  who  were  to  fight  the  fight. 
In  the  eyes  of  all  men  present  is  the  trial  meet  and  right — 
Ogier  it  was  of  Denmark  that  for  all  this  took  heed. 
And  now  each  champion  shouted  for  his  armor  and  his  steed. 


CCLXXXII     When  at  last  unto  the  battle  within  the  lists 

they  came, 

Well  they  confessed  and  were  absolved  and  blessed  in  God  His 
And  Mass  they  heard,  and  also  Communion  did  receive,  [name, 
And  to  the  monasteries  great  offerings  did  they  leave.  [spur. 
Forth  went  the  twain  to  Charlemagne.  On  the  heel  was  set  the 
They  wore  the  milk-white  hauberks,  so  light  and  strong  that 
Their  helmets  shut  and  shining  their  faces  did  enfold.  [were. 
Their  swords  were  girded  on  them  with  hilts  of  the  pure  gold. 
About  their  necks  the  champions  their  quartered  bucklers  wore, 
And  likewise  in  their  good  right  hands  the  sharpened  lances 

bore. 

And  thereupon  they  mounted  on  the  chargers  swift  and  proud. 
An  hundred  thousand  cavaliers  began  to  weep  aloud, 
Who  because  of  the  Count  Roland  were  sad  for  Thierry's  sake. 
God  knoweth  thereof  certainly  what  end  the  fight  will  take. 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  155 

CCLXXXIII     Hard  under  Aix  the  city  there  is  a  mighty  lea, 
And  there  of  the  two  barons  the  battle  was  to  be. 
Gallant  were  both  the  heroes,  and  fleet  the  chargers  twain. 
And  either  champion  spurred  his  steed,  and  dropped  his  bridle- 
rein. 

In  valor  and  great  courage,  each  against  the  other  dashed. 
Right  through  the  rival  bucklers  the  rushing  lances  crashed. 
And  broken  were  the  hauberks,  and  broken  either  girth. 
The  cantel^of  the  saddles  fell  down  unto  the  earth, 
There  were  an  hundred  thousand  wept  loudly  at  this  sight. 


CCLXXXIV  Now  unto  earth  hath  fallen  from  his  charger 

either  knight. 

And  forthwith  very  swiftly  they  got  them  to  their  feet. 

A  stalwart  man  was  Pinabel,  and  a  very  light  and  fleet. 

And  the  one  sought  out  the  other ;  no  chargers  needed  they. 

With  the  blades  with  hilts  of  the  pure  gold  they  smote  and 

hacked  away, 

On  the  steel  helms.  And  the  great  strokes  the  helms  were  like 

to  cleave. 

And  loud  the  Frankish  cavaliers  because  of  it  did  grieve. 

"  Ah  God,"  said  the  King  Charlemagne,  "  The  right  now  make 

it  known." 

CCLXXXV     Said  Pinabel  : 

"  Ho,  Thierry,  thine  error  do  thou  own. 
In  true  love  and  in  honor  thy  liegeman  will  I  be. 
I  will  give  my  whole  possession  at  thy  pleasure  unto  thee. 
But  the  peace  of  the  Count  Ganelon  with  the  Emperor  do  thou 
And  Thierry  answered:  [make." 

"  Never  such  a  counsel  will  I  take. 


y> 


156  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

If  I  did  it,  for  a  villain  would  I  evermore  be  ta'en. 

But  God  shall  make  His  judgment  this  day  between  us  twain.3 


CCLXXXVI     Said  Thierry : 

"  A  good  baron  art  thou,  O  Pinabel. 

Thy  strength  is  great  exceeding,  and  thy  body  fashioned  well. 
And  all  thy  peers  have  known  thee  for  a  very  valiant  knight. 
But  do  thou  now  give  over  from  fighting  out  the  fight. 
With  the  King  will  I  accord  thee.    On  Ganelon  shall  they  wreak 
Such  vengeance,  not  a  day  shall  pass  but  men  thereof  shall 

And  Pinabel  gave  answer:  [speak." 

"  God's  will  is  not  therein. 

I  will  not  cease  to  comfort  and  to  sustain  my  kin. 
And  surely  I  will  never  to  mortal  man  give  place. 
Better  it  were  to  perish  than  to  suffer  such  disgrace." 

With  the  good  swords  they  began  to  beat  on  the  helmets 

wrought  with  gold. 

Unto  the  sky  went  flashing  the  bright  sparks  manifold. 
Now  was  there  none  could  part  them  in  the  madness  of  the  fray. 
Now  it  will  not  be  over  till  one  the  other  slay. 


CCLXXXVII     Now    Pinabel    of    Sorence    was    of    excelling 
On  the  Proven9al  helmet  of  Thierry  did  he  smite.  [might. 

The  flame  leaped  from  the  helmet  and  set  fire  unto  the  sward.___ 
He  struck   against  his   foeman  with  the   sharp  point   of  the 

sword. 

And  away  from  Thierry's  forehead  all  of  the  helm  he  clave. 
And  right  before  his  visage  descended  the  sharp  glaive. 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  157 

All  his  right  cheek  was  bleeding,  and  his  hauberk  slashed  in 

twain. 

To  the  waist.     But  God  protected  him,  and  Thierry  was  not"* 

slain. 


CCLXXXVIII     And  Thierry  knew  that  sorely  was  he  smitten 

in  the  face, 

And  that  his  blood  was  falling  on  the  green  grass  in  the  place, 
And  upon  the  brown  steel  helmet  he  smote  Lord  Pinabel. 
Through  the  nasal  of  the  helmet  the  cleaving  sword-blade  fell. 
And  therewith  the  brain  of  Pinabel  went  gushing  from  his  head. 
High,  Thierry  shook  his  sword  aloft,  and  smote  the  champion 
TherewithaHhe  bitter  battle  in  that  hour  had  he  won.         [dead. 
Cried  all  the  Franks: 

"  A  miracle  the  Lord  our  God  hath  done ! 
It  is  meet  and  right  that  Ganelon  should  now  be  hanged  on 


C 


And  likewise  all  his  kinsmen  that  pled  for  him  shall  die." 

.' 


CCLXXXIX     Now  when  the  champion  Thierry  had  conquered 

in  the  fray, 

With  barons  four  to  Charlemagne  the  King  he  made  his  way. 
Ogier  the  Dane  and  Neimes  brought  him  the  King  unto, 
And  likewise  William,  Lord  of  Blaye,  and  Geoffrey  of  Anjou. 
Then  did  the  Emperor  Charlemagne  Thierry  the  knight  em- 
brace. 

With  his  robe  of  marten-fur  he  wiped  the  blood  from  off  his 

face. 

He  doffed  the  robe.    Another  they  cast  his  shoulders  o'er. 
Gently  from  the  brave  champion  they  took  the  gear  of  war. 


158  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

And  then  they  set  the  hero  on  a  mule  of  Araby. 
And  back  they  rode  unto  the  town  in  chivalry  and  glee. 
They  came  to  Aix  the  city,  and  descended  there  each  one. 
And  the  slaughter  of  the  others  thereafter  was  begun. 


CCXC     And  then  unto  his  counts   and  dukes  the  Emperor 

Charlemagne  said: 

"  What  judge  ye  of  my  prisoners  for  Ganelon  that  pled, 
And  their  bodies  for  Lord  Pinabel  as  hostages  did  give?" 
And  the  Franks  spake  in  answer :    "  Let  not  any  of  them  live." 

Unto  his  sheriff  Basbrun  the  Emperor  did  call : 
"  Go !  unto  that  accursed  tree  see  that  thou  hang  them  all. 
And  by  this  beard  whereof  the  hair  is  all  so  hoar  and  white, 
If  one  escape,  on  thee  the  thing  with  death  I  will  requite." 
And  Basbrun  spake  in  answer: 

"What  other  can  I  more?" 

With  an  hundred  sergeants  by  main  force  the  men  away  he  bore. 
And  there  were  thirty  of  them.     He  hanged  them  there  and 

then. 
He  who  betrayeth,  aye  he  slayeth  himself  and  other  men. 


CCXCI     Thereafter  all  the  Germans  and  Bavarians  withdrew, 
The  Bretons  and  the  Normans,  and  the  liegemen  of  Poitou. 
But  more  than  all  the  others  the  men  of  France  were  fain 
That  Ganelon  should  perish  in  exceeding  grievous  pain. 
They  brought  four  steeds,  and  unto  them  they  bound  his  hands 

and  feet. 

Haughty  were  all  the  stallions,  and  very  swift  and  fleet. 
Before  the  steeds  to  guide  them,  four  servitors  did  fare. 
And  straight  into  a  meadow  wherein  there  grazed  a  mare, 


THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND  159 

Unto  horrible  destruction  Count  Ganelon  was  sent. 
The  nerves  of  the  man's  body  unutterably  were  rent. 
And  every  limb  and  member  from  the  trunk  away  was  wrenched. 
And  the  flood  of  his  clear  life-blood  the  fair  green  herbage 

drenched. 

Thus  Ganelon  came  to  his  death  like  to  a  traitor  strong. 
It  is  not  meet  that  traitors  should  boast  them  in  their  wrong. 


CCXCII  When  Charlemagne  the  Emperor  vengeance  at  last 
The  Bishops  of  Bavaria  and  France  and  Alamain  [had  ta'en, 
He  summoned: 

"  In  my  palace  a  captive  free  doth  dwell. 
To  sermons  and  fair  parables  the  dame  hath  hearkened  well. 
For  Christianity  she  prayeth.    On  our  God  she  doth  believe. 
Baptize  ye  now  that  Lady  that  God  her  soul  receive." 

"  Then  give  unto  her  sponsors,"  they  answered  and  replied. 
Enough  there  were  of  ladies  of  noble  race  and  pride. 
There  came  great  press  of  people  to  the  baths  of  Aix  amain. 
By  the  name  of  Juliana  they  baptized  the  Queen  of  Spain. 
And  she  herself  a  Christian  most  truly  did  confess.         [distress. 
When  the  King  had  done  his  justice,  appeased  was  his 
In  the  way  of  our  Christianity  Queen  Bramimonde  had  gone. 
But  now  the  day  passed  over  and  calm  the  night  came  on. 
And  in  his  vaulted  chamber  the  King  lay  down  to  rest, 
When  to  him  the  Angel  Gabriel  appeared  at  God's  behest : 

"  To  the  hosts   of  all  thine  empire,  Lord  Emperor   give 

command. 

Go  forth  with  might  and  power  into  the  Libyan  land. 
With  succor  to  King  Vivien  of  Imphe  shalt  thou  ride. 
The  city  that  the  Paynims  have  besieged  on  every  side, 


160  THE  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

Where  the  Christians  call  upon  thee." 

Little  the  King  was  fain. 

"  Ah  God  my  life  is  weary,"  said  the  Emperor  Charlemagne. 
He  plucked  the  white  beard  hard.     The  tears  down  from  his 

eyes  they  sprang, 
And  so  the  great  song  endeth  of  the  deeds  that  Therould  sang. 


Adieu  Barons  alez  voirs  que  vos  amis  font  Deo  Gracias 
Le  livre  des  XII  pairs  est  cy  finis 
Don  Louenge  a  la  Saint  Trinite. 


NOTES  TO  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

Laisse  LXXVI.  The  line  reading :  "And  likewise  the  Lord 
Olivier  who  ruleth  in  his  stead"  contains  an  idea  not  found  in 
the  original.  Literally  the  line  should  be  rendered  thus :  "The 
Lord  Olivier  who  commands  the  others." 

Laisse  LXXIX.  That  Chaucer  was  familiar  with  the  story 
of  Roncevaux  goes  without  saying.  His  occasional  use  of  the 
name  Ganelon  as  a  synonym  for  traitor  would  be  sufficient 
proof,  if  proof  were  needed.  There  is,  however,  strong  pre- 
sumptive evidence  that  he  was  well  acquainted  with  the  Song 
of  Roland. 

Certain  details  in  the  description  of  Val  Neire  (the  Black 
Valley)  correspond  rather  remarkably  with  the  Chaucer's 
account  of 

"  the  derke  valeye 
*  *  *  # 

Ther  never  yet  grew  corn  ne  gras, 
Ne  tre,  ne  no  thyng  that  ought  was." 

This  passage  is  found  in  the  Death  of  Blanche  the  Duchess 
(lines  155-158  Globe  edition)  and  might,  considered  by  itself, 
be  explained  as  a  mere  accidental  resemblance,  but  when  in  lines 
1120-1123  of  the  same  poem  we  come  on 

"  the  false  Genellon 
He  that  purchased  the  treson 
Of  Rowland  and  of  Olyvere." 


164       NOTES  TO  SONG  OF  ROLAND 

the  circumstances  necessary  to  such  an  explanation  are  indefi- 
nitely complicated.  I  do  not  think  that  this  faint  indication  of 
the  direction  of  Chaucer's  literary  pilgrimage  has  been  observed 
heretofore. 

Laisse  CLXVII.  The  line  reading:  "He  put  great  force 
upon  him.  And  on  his  feet  he  got"  is  supplied  from  the  Venetian 
manuscript. 

Laisse  CLXXIII.  The  line  readmg :  "And  in  his  hand  the 
naked  brand,  even  Durendal,  he  held"  is  supplied  from  the 
Venetian  manuscript. 

Laisse  CCXXXIV.  The  line  reading :  "Of  whom  was  Judas 
that  betrayed  his  God  in  sin  and  shame"  is  supplied  from  the 
Venetian  manuscript. 

Laisse  CCXL.  The  line  reading:  "Gigantic  was  the  army 
that  there  its  way  did  hold"  is  supplied  from  the  Venetian 
manuscript. 


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